The Apprentice fired candidate Khadija Kalifa interview: 'I'm very aware people think I'm aggressive'

Being eliminated during The Apprentice interview stages remains one hell of an achievement, despite failing to secure Lord Sugar's business investment.

It's a fate that was reserved for three candidates in tonight's episode, one of which was Khadija Kalifa.

The Eco cleaning company owner has received criticism from the tycoon since the beginning of this series for her "aggressive" behaviour but there's no denying she displayed terrific business acumen throughout.

We spoke to Khadija about why she's happy she brought "the drama," why Karren Brady may have hindered her chances of winning and her future aspirations.

How have you been enjoying your time on the show? Have there been having viewing parties?

No, I just have a curry and sit on the sofa in my pyjamas with no makeup on. The dream life.

You did really well to get this far. Was it tough to go at this stage of the process?

I’m gutted, but also grateful for the opportunity. I’m excited to see what happens now.

At least you made it to the interview stages. Who would you say was the toughest?

I think Claudine [Collins]. Not in a negative way – she just asked a lot about personal things: my children, partner and family. I think it’s quite clear that I try not to be emotional and it was very difficult to try to keep myself together at that point.

You were accused of shouting at Linda [Plant], which I think was slightly unfair.

I don’t think it was shouting either! We were having a healthy debate.

Do you think it was that kind of feedback from Lord Sugar’s aides that could have inadvertently led to your firing?

Karren [Brady] may have thought I was a bit too much, but I think Claude [Littner] liked me. He liked my chocolates at least. Maybe Karren thought I was bit loud. Listen, ultimately I can’t tone down the way I speak and I am very blunt and very to the point. It’s not the first time people have said I’ve come across as aggressive – I’m very aware of that. My point is I can’t really change it now. I’m in my early 30s, I’ve got two kids – it’s the way I am and I’m quite happy with it. I don’t think I need to change. I don’t find it detrimental in business because I’m this successful thus far, so I think I’m doing fine. I network with a lot of people and they all seem to like me. Well, they say they do.

Do you think people find you aggressive because you’re unafraid to speak your mind?

I think I’m aggressively focused. If not following decisions or standing up for myself when I think someone is being manipulative is aggressive, then I will take the title all day every day.

What do you think you brought to the show that wouldn’t have been there had you not been selected?

The drama. The drama is all down to me. It’s ultimately about business, but it also needs to be entertaining, so as much as people watch it and go "She’s a nightmare," if I wasn’t, no one would want to watch it. If everyone did everything right all the time, it would be pretty boring. I’m a huge fan of reality TV, so I love watching a bit of drama. My interview with Linda is something I’d enjoy watching as a viewer.

You and Jackie had a few moments, also.

We’re just not the same people, are we? I respect her for all that she’s achieved. Maybe five years ago, I’d have tried to be everyone’s best friend but you get to a certain point where you find the people that you gel with and the ones you don’t, and I'm not prepared to spend time with the people I don’t gel with.

Has the process taught you anything about yourself?

I’ve learnt I’m pretty good at not holding a grudge. I think I’ve had a lot thrown at me and I’m over it. I’m fine. So I’m proud of how thick-skinned I am.

Who would you have said was your closest competitor throughout the competition?

Honestly, I thought Jasmine. I was so shocked when she was fired. I just think her whole demeanour – the way she carried herself and her logical thinking – meant she would be up there. Jackie as well, to be honest. Sian has always been professional too. There was a lot of competition. Even Tom – he and I are both in service businesses and would speak about it quite a lot so whenever I was asked who my biggest rival was, I would mention Tom.

It wasn’t a vintage year for the boys.

Us girls didn’t think that in week one! When we lost in Malta, I thought, "Oh darn it, these boys are strong." You know what? They’re a lovely group of guys. I’m so glad I was in this year with these people. We all have each other’s backs. But yeah, it was great for us girls to smash it too.

What was the hardest part of the process?

I think the hardest part for me was being away from my children. I am quite a social person – it probably doesn’t seem like I have any friends, but I do – and I didn’t realise until I came back home how much I rely on picking up the phone and ranting to my sisters and work colleagues. That was difficult for me. It’s hard because you trust your family and friends. You can say whatever you like to them. On the show, you have to keep a guard up at all times. But the support has been amazing. Even the teachers at my daughter’s school are like, ‘we’re rooting for you’. She goes, "Mummy, everyone knows you from The Apprentice."

Are you going to miss being on TV every week?

I want to be a Loose Woman, so I’m waiting for that gig to come my way. It can’t be over. My daughter’s liked seeing me on TV so it needs to keep going!

Who do you want and think will win this year’s series?

I love them both. I got on the best with them and Sarah Ann in the house, but I just think Sian has grafted for longer. Camilla’s business is only a few months old and in terms of fairness, in my opinion, I think it should be someone who has been grafting for longer. Sian’s been going for two years, so I just think it would be better if she won.

What’s next for you?

The world! I’m launching my products next week – they’re a gifting range called Rhubarb Collection and it’s a home mist and hand wash that fits delightfully through he letterbox. We’re more commercial now as opposed to domestic. I’m obviously still looking for investments. I feel like my business has been reborn, in a way. We’ve got a lot of enquires and pre-orders coming through. I’m just really excited and grateful to have done this.

The Apprentice final airs on Sunday 17 December at 9pm on BBC One