This year's The Apprentice series is back with all the drama and competitiveness we wanted to kick the new series off. 

The second episode saw 15 candidates battle it out to win over Lord Alan Sugar and his aides, Baroness Karen Brady and first-ever The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell.

The candidates are in for a winning prize of a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar. 

Last week, former professional rugby player Conor was fired by Lord Sugar.

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What happened in episode three? 

This week, the candidates were asked to create a new range of non-alcoholic drinks which they had to pitch to retailers. 

They were sent to Mercato Metropolitano in London which hosts artisan food and drink. 

This Is Local London: Tim Campbell, Lord Sugar & Karren Brady, presenting the task (BBC/Naked)Tim Campbell, Lord Sugar & Karren Brady, presenting the task (BBC/Naked)

Unfortunately, children's nursey owner Shama Amin, 41, quit the show in a dramatic exit before the first brief was given.

Shama said: "I would just like to say something, Lord Sugar, if that’s OK. I suffer from a condition called rheumatoid arthritis.

“Because of medical reasons, due to this process being so physically demanding, despite the efforts the whole team has made to support me, I’ve had to make a difficult decision to leave the process.”

Lord Sugar said: "Well Shama, I’m really sad to hear that. I wish you and your family all the best for the future.”

This is the first week the teams were mixed up and a telling-off from Lord Sugar last week, Nick was made the project manager of one of the teams.

On Team Diverse was Francesca, Brittany, Nick, Aaron, Harpreet, Alex and Akeem.

Nick was very set on a vodka, lime and soda drink, which some of his teammates were concerned about.

Team Infinity made a spicy drink under the direction of PM Sophie, who owns a cocktail bar. 

The rest of the team included Akshay, Kathryn, Amy, Navid and Stephanie. 

The teams came up with their brand names and logos: 

Team Diverse put lots of salt in the drink to try to replicate the vodka taste, which Sophie said tasted like a "watered down salty energy drink."

Team Infinity came up with a peachy drink, which was less spice and more pepper. 

Each team was then sent to get feedback on their products and pitch it to retailers. 

Nick failed to pitch successfully to Asda, saying he envisaged his brand as a premium one, and only managed to secure 300 cases from the supermarket. 

The other team struggled after feedback said there was no spicy taste and the branding was old-fashioned. 

Who was fired? 

Lord Sugar was not happy with Nick putting himself on the branding team, having been involved in the drinks industry for a while. 

One consumer said he wouldn't touch Team Infinity's drink with a bargepole.

Team Diverse had 10,675 orders from the buyers, compared with Infinity's 2,502. 

The winning team was sent to TT liquor for a cocktail-making masterclass.

The final three left in the boardroom were Sophie, Navid and Akshay.

"Sophie you are in the bar business, it is a travesty that you have lost the task," Lord Sugar began. 

"Navid you say you have lots of ideas but no one listens to you. there's gotta be a reason there.

"Akshay the allegations are that you stand back and if a good idea comes along you jump on and take credit for it. 

"Navid, no smoke without fire is what I say. It is with regret, that Navid you're fired."

In the taxi on the way home, Navid said: "I'm 100% sure that Lord Sugar will see my name one day because I'm a passionate hardworking person and, you know what, this playboy has not finished yet.

"I've still got a lot left in me."

This Is Local London: Navid on his way home (BBC/Naked) Navid on his way home (BBC/Naked)

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Who is still in the series? 

Here is who is left going into week four. 

  • Aaron
  • Akeem
  • Akshay
  • Alex
  • Amy
  • Brittany
  • Francesca
  • Harpreet
  • Kathryn
  • Nick
  • Sophie
  • Stephanie 

The Apprentice airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 9 pm on Thursdays.