TV stardom beckons as Southwell florist competes in new series of The Apprentice

Elizabeth McKenna, who runs Flowers By Susan in King Street and in Portland Road, West Bridgford will join 17 other entrepreneurs competing to win a £250,000 investment for their company, and the chance to have Lord Sugar as their business partner.

The 39-year-old describes herself as a “slightly bonkers country girl” who has a love of dogs and horses and thinks her killer business instincts mean she’s good at making snap decisions.

She said: “My big feet are good for two things; getting me into trouble as they’re as big as my mouth and I constantly get them stuck in it, but... they also kick butt.”

A spokesman for Flowers By Susan said: “We’re super excited to have Elizabeth on the show.

“We’ve had lots of support in the business already, everybody’s been talking about it.”

Elizabeth is the third Nottinghamshire entrepreneur to appear on the BBC One show following in the footsteps of Hucknall sports marketeer David Stevenson and clothing retailer Fran Bishop, who was born and bred in the county.

Fran, who made it to the interviews stage, had some advice for Elizabeth.

She said: “Don’t listen to the trolls online, or negative comments. Everyone will have an opinion and that’s fine.

“But what matters is how you use the opportunity to further your business and achieve your goals.

“Take all you’ve learnt from the show, grab every opportunity... and of course enjoy the ride. You’ll never please everyone!”

Tasks in the 13th series of the reality programme will include creating a range of burgers, branding and selling robots, as well as planning a premium corporate experience at a sports event.

The candidates will even be tasked with running a doggy day care service.

Business tycoon Lord Sugar will be joined once again by aides Baroness Karren Brady and Claude Littner for the 12-week process.

He will challenge the candidates to prove they would be able to grow a business in today’s tough climate.

As Lord Sugar explains in the first boardroom of the series: “We’re in strange times now, with Brexit.

“But be under no illusion, in this process I’m the one who decides who’s going to remain and I’m the one who decides who’s going to leave - simple as that.”

The Apprentice will air weekly on Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC1 and BBC1 HD from October 4.