The BBC Apprentice series returns to our screens this year, kicking off on March 21th.
Meet Maria O’Connor from Kent, one of this year’s Apprentice candidates who will compete for the £250,000 investment fund from Lord Sugar and to become Lord Sugar’s business partner.

Name: Maria O’Connor

Age: 20
Occupation: Restaurateur
Lives: Kent.

Bubbly Maria opened her own Greek restaurant at the age of 19 and is inspired by Gordon Ramsay.

She admits that she is headstrong and cunning when it comes to business, and says that her persuasive charm helps her always get what she wants. She enjoys shopping, socialising and is an adrenaline junkie.

Maria wishes she was the brains behind cotton buds as they are cheap to make but are used in every household.

She says: “If you chuck me in the deep end I’ll swim, I won’t sink.”

See Maria’s audition video below:


The Apprentice 2012 Candidates: