The Apprentice contestant Stephanie Affleck says she will continue to pursue her business dream despite failing to make it through to the final of the BBC One show.

The Swanley-based children's store owner was taking part in the first ever all-female semi-final.

Tonight's episode saw the four women battle it out in the nail-biting interview stages.

It also spelled the return of fan favourite Claude Littner who is famed for ripping into candidates over spurious CV claims.

Stephanie, 28, had her business plan for The Little Fashion House – a venture dedicated to selling pre-loved designer wear for children – screened by Lord Alan Sugar's trusted adviser.

Prior to the process the straight-talking businesswoman claimed she would bring a "no-nonsense work ethic" to the programme in a bid to secure the business mogul's £250,000 investment.

She describes herself as "confident, decisive and brutally honest", adding: "I’m an East London girl... I’ve got grit, determination and I’m determined to be successful."

Stephanie previously worked as an events planner and has a first class BA (honours) degree in events management from the University of West London.

Ahead of tonight's episode a profile on the final candidates delved into the fashionista's entrepreneurial roots.

At the age of 18 she caught the business bug whilst working for her dad's car dealership, A1 Carriages, in Crayford Road, Dartford.

Former colleague Francesca Mutti told the BBC programme: "She wasn't here to boss people around, she was just here to learn from her dad so she could take away what she learnt from her dad into what she wanted to do."

After a stint with the family firm, Stephanie, a former pupil of prestigious boarding school Farringtons in Chislehurst, near Bromley, pursued a "dream job in events".

But after working all over the world her career faced sudden upheaval after Covid-19 crippled the industry and she was made redundant.

That's when she decided to take the bold step and create her own business which she is now seeking capital for.

Despite not leading a team in the first half of the Apprentice process Stephanie still managed to make her mark.

She eventually stepped up to become project manager in a tourism-based task where she impressed and managed to lead the team to victory.

But Stephanie's path to the final stages has not been a smooth ride.

In last week's baby food task the tough-talking businesswoman was pureed by Lord Sugar in the boardroom over a labelling error.

Stephanie and axed candidate Akeem Bundu-Kamara designed their brand “First Time Foodies” with the “oo” being designed as small bowls.

The corporate clients read it in the way viewers at home all saw it, “First Time F..Dies”.

As rival Harpreet realised belatedly, “it looks like we want to kill children” – not exactly the message intended for baby food.

Much to Lord Sugar's disappointment, only four candidates made it through to this week's interview stage bringing an end to the long-running "final five" format.

And despite her serious error, Stephanie managed to navigate her way through the boardroom.

She said: "I know I'm here because Lord Sugar wants me to be here.

"I definitely will still be proceeding with the concept and the business as I do really believe in it and I know it has so much potential."

"I've proved my business skills and business acumen, now I have to prove my business idea."

However, her plan was picked apart and, ultimately, told by Lord Sugar: "The pre-loved market is not a market that's loved by me."

After being despatched to the waiting taxi, having heard the dreaded "You're fired", Stephanie told viewers she respected the decision.

She added: "I definitely will still be proceeding with the concept and the business as I do really believe in it and I know it has so much potential."

The Apprentice final airs next Thursday at 9pm, with past episodes available to watch on BBC iPlayer.