As Project Manager, he was off to a shaky start. After failing to provide a sample of chutney to the buyers, he also nearly choked after finally tasting it.

But Stretford’s Duane Bryan still managed to successfully lead his team to victory in Wednesday night’s Apprentice.

This week, candidates were summoned to St Katharine Docks, once a bustling commercial port.

“I used to come and play here as a kid, believe it or not,” Lord Sugar told the group. “One of the commodities that used to come into these docks was spices, things like cinnamon and saffron.

"You might be wondering what that’s got to do with the task today. Well the task today is all about you going off and making a new condiment. Of course we all know about the big brands that monopolise the market but it’s the innovative start-ups that have actually carved themselves a niche in the market place and that’s what I want you to do.”

Candidates had to create a new product as well as a brand name and design, before selling their condiments to both trade and the public.

Too much chilli in Team Sterling’s chutney left poor Duane almost being sick in a bucket and forcing team member Nick Holzherr to pitch the chutney without any for buyers to taste.

“It was very embarrassing pitching without a product,” said Nick. “I thought Duane and myself should be able to turn this losing team around but it’s just not happening. It’s very frustrating, it’s a total shambles, it’s fallen apart. I've got no idea what’s going on at the factory but it doesn’t sound great.”

However, the team rectified their early mistakes and went on to win the task with a profit of £1,028.68, also helped by Team Phoenix incorrectly spelling their product ‘Belissimo’.

It was Michael Copp who didn’t cut the mustard and was later fired by Lord Sugar in the boardroom.

Duane and the rest of Team Sterling were treated to a racing day at Silverstone. Next week, the teams have to source second-hand cast-offs and then sell them on at a profit.

But it was our very own Duane who was trending on Twitter on Wednesday night - and is now the bookies favourite to win the contest.