You’re hired – Steve from Skibb

STEVE Rayner’s biggest challenge in recent times was not winning The Apprentice – and a contract from Renault’s Bill Cullen worth €100,000 per annum – but in keeping his windfall a secret.

Last night, TV3 viewers watched the final instalment in which 30-year-old Steve, who lives in Skibbereen with his fiancee and two children, walked away with the accolade with the inimitable words from Bill Cullen “you’re hired”.

The relief on his face when he was declared the winner was also down to he fact that he knew since the end of July, when the filming of the competition heats was wound up, that he was the winner.