BBC The Apprentice viewers say finalist was 'robbed' after winner announced

viewers were left split as Dean Franklin emerged victorious to become Lord Sugar's newest business partner in the gripping finale of this year's series on BBC One.

After a gruelling 12-week contest, it all came down to two hopefuls in the final showdown, with only one walking away with Lord Alan Sugar's hefty £250,000 investment.

In the nail-biting final episode aired tonight (April 17), fans watched as air conditioning entrepreneur Dean, aged 34, went head-to-head with 26 year old Indian pizza fusion innovator Anisa Khan for the chance of a lifetime.

The finalists weren't alone; they were supported by some familiar faces from earlier in the series who returned to assist them in their last challenge.

Dean and Anisa were put through their paces, tasked with developing brands and advertising campaigns. The competition was fierce, with Anisa impressing the panel with her pitch and mouth-watering pizzas, reports .

However, Dean wasn't far behind, captivating everyone with his business concept. In a tense finale, Lord Sugar delivered his verdict, declaring to Dean: "You're hired," despite acknowledging that Dean had experienced "a few rocky moments" and had stayed in the running "by the skin of your teeth".

Anisa walked away with nothing, while Dean secured the cash investment and business backing from Lord Sugar. He exclaimed: "I'm over the moon to have won The Apprentice. This is a dream come 'true' for me and my family. My kids will be absolutely thrilled."

Viewers quickly took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their reactions, with many claiming Anisa was "robbed" of the top spot. One fan tweeted: "Anisa was robbed! ! ! ! #TheApprentice." (sic)

Another posted: "Omg Anisa has been robbed #TheApprentice." A third viewer commented: "ANISA WAS ROBBED WTAF #TheApprentice." (sic)

Others expressed their disappointment, with one saying: "Surprised Dean won. Personally I felt Anissa had the better business, and she had been consistent throughout the entire process. #TheApprentice." (sic)

One angry fan wrote: "Bizarre decision from Sugar. He sets out all the reasons why he should pick Anisa then chooses Dean. Sitting here craving a Zaal pizza not considering AC, enough said. #TheApprentice." (sic)

However, not everyone was disappointed, as some viewers congratulated Dean on his win. One fan said: "So happy for Dean. A genuine, hardworking, seriously knowledgeable about his industry and completely relatable winner #TheApprentice." (sic)

Another viewer posted: "The more that I think about it, I do think Dean is an extremely worthy winner. His personality is great, and his business is a very good idea." A third fan agreed, saying: "Dean deserved to win apprentice such a sound guy." (sic)

Catch up with The Apprentice now on BBC iPlayer.