IRISH Apprentice star Jennifer Maguire was surprised with Alan's choice of Lee McQueen as the eventual winner.

Dubliner Jennifer (27) was one of the six contestants who returned to the show for the final episode last night.

But the Baldoyle beauty was picked last and ended up on the losing team of Helene Speight (32) and Alex Wotherspoon (25) in the task to launch a new fragrance for men.

Jennifer had expected favourite Claire Young (29) who had been in the boardroom seven times to become the millionaire's apprentice.

"I was very surprised with his choice," she said but added that "to get to the final you have to have some stamina and energy."

On 30-year-old Lee, she commented: "He was just very positive and he has a lot of energy. He was very consistent and has kept his composure every week."

Jennifer, who left the show on May 7, returned for the final and joined the team of Helene and Alex to help create their fragrance, 'Dual'.

She said that she wasn't sorry to have lost out on becoming the 'Apprentice.'

"I didn't want the job as much as other people there," she said admitting that she realised that during her time on the show. "I want to work for myself."

Jennifer is doing just that and will launch her new business 'Bella -- the makeover studio' tomorrow in South William Street in Dublin.

After the task in Marrakesh, Jennifer admitted that she was happy to come home.

"Marrakesh was surreal," she said. "From the minute I got off the plane I was tired."

Jennifer said that what she found most difficult about the show was becoming friends with people and then competing against them.

"After the Linsey incident I found it hard to get close to people. I found that part of it very difficult," she said.

Immortal

Last night, both teams had to launch a new fragrance for men but on the night it was Lee who heard those immortal words from Alan Sugar "You're Hired". Retail buyer from London, Claire came a close second but Alan told her he didn't know if he could put up with her permanently.

Lee, a recruitment sales manager from Buckinghamshire, was the most consistent contestant over the 12 weeks.

In her preview of the final, Jennifer had high praise for Lee describing him as "an all rounder."

She said he was incredibly enthusiastic and praised his ability to avoid the boardroom.

"I worked with him when we did the photography task. He'd wear you out he's so full of energy," she said. "It's definitely a skill to stay out of the boardroom."

- - Sarah Neville