Sir Alan recalls Katie's quit decision

Sir Alan has recounted the moment Katie decided to quit The Apprentice over family doubts.

Having made it to the last three on Wednesday's show, she bailed out in a shock admission that she could not commit to living in London.

In his Daily Mirror column, Sir Alan told how he was glad he did not have to pick two from Katie, Simon and Kristina.

He said: "As things panned out that decision was made for me - although I do take the credit for forcing the issue by piling the pressure on Katie.

"I spelled out that we don't have offices in Exeter where she lives. I was worried about her two little babies and who would look after them.

"What happened next was a classic example of the reality sinking in that you have said 'yes' to something you don't really want. It's hard to say 'no' to me when I am dishing out my speeches.

"But you could see from her face that what it actually meant suddenly hit home. It's clear she was there to win and show how clever she was but not for the actual job."

He added of next week's finale: "Whatever happens it's going to be a hard decision - they've both got the fire and spirit I'm looking for."