THE Apprentice winner Dean Franklin has opened up on being crowned champion for the first time after storming to victory on the BBC show.
Dean became the first male champion since 2017 after impressing with his air conditioning .
After a show-stopping final episode, Lord Sugar beckoned the words “you're hired” to after he beat off impressive competition from show runner-up Anisa Khan.
Now, in an exclusive interview with Flying Eze, Dean has revealed how he knew he'd “always win” and how close he is with Lord Sugar since his victory.
Dean said: “I've always said to my family and friends I'm gonna get on that show and I'm gonna win it.
“I've always been that confident and I didn't apply to just be on the show – I've never done anything TV before.
“I've not signed up to the fame, I wanted to win the show and I wanted to be Lord Sugar's next business partner.”
Despite his confidence from the outset, Dean confessed it was a culture shock when he first began filming and admitted he felt uncomfortable around the cameras when recording first began.
The businessman told Flying Eze: “I think it took me a while to get settled in.
“I was probably not used to the cameras and stuff because that was a massive shock to me, being in front of the cameras and having the mic shoved right under your nose when you're speaking.
“I'm not one to be on social media in front of the camera, so
yeah the camera thing was a big thing for me but you had to deal with it.”
But it's a good think Dean stuck at it and persevered as he managed to work his way to glory.
He is now firmly in business with Lord Sugar and confessed he has already begun to swap messages with the mogul – with the pair being in touch on a very regular basis.
However, Dean did admit it is still “scary” each time he sees Lord Sugar pop up on his phone with some news or advice.
Dean recalled: “He rings me up, he ‘s me which is still surreal and quite scary but it's all good.
“We've got a lot of things planned out for the future of the business and I'm excited, I can't wait.
“We'rechangingafewthingshereandthere but all for the better.
“We are dealing with a lot, but we're all in it together.
“If we play our cards right, you know, next year, I know he called me a dope, but we could be multi .”
Moreover, Dean confessed that his cheeky chappie persona and similar humour to Alan was another major reason they have gelled so well.
The entrepreneur confessed that, like Alan, he tried to crack jokes where possible throughout filming in order to keep everything as light-hearted as possible.
The TV winner said: “I was just myself, that's who I am.
“I always try and crack a joke where I can.
“In these serious situations, the only way I know how to deal with that is by just having a bit of banter and making some jokes and try to loosen up a bit
“I think Lord Sugar liked that as well because he cracks his jokes but he also likes someone who will tell it to him how it is.
“That's what I think I've done, I didn't beat around the bush.”
