Sir Alan Sugar’s right hand woman, Margaret Mountford, has revealed that Sir Alan Sugar often goes easier on younger candidates on the show.

In an interview with the Radio Times, admitted: “The youth thing. He does make allowances for people without the common sense, gravitas or moderation that some learn with years.”

Margaret also revealed that Sir Alan also has a bit of a soft spot for those who have had a hard upbringing also.

“He has a soft spot for those who’ve had a hard start,” she said. “But if someone who was brought up on one crust of bread a week, living in a cardboard box, makes a complete mess of things in task one, they are still going to go.”