You’re Hired

A group of opinionated seven-year-olds from South Hampstead outshone the candidates in the latest episode of the BBC’s Apprentice.

The third episode of the series saw the ‘budding entrepreneurs’ attempt to design toys to appeal to 6 to 8 year olds. To gauge the appeal of their ‘Slime Kingdom Unicorn’ and ‘Tommy the Talking Turtle’, the teams conducted focus groups, largely comprising of girls from South Hampstead. While neither toy captured the imagination of the target audience, the children’s impressive candour instead caught the attention of the candidates as well as the public.

One contestant, amazed by the eloquence of the children, asked: “Oh my gosh, where did they get these kids from?” while viewers took to Twitter to express their admiration for the girls for being so outspoken, smart and perceptive.

Tweets included: “This little girl is legitimately more in touch than all of these apprentices put together… Wow, these kids are on point, so intelligent… Give that kid who just pointed out the huge gender stereotype a medal. That kid is going places.” 

The production crew also praised the girls’ professionalism, focus and positive attitudes. Amaya, Bella, Marina and Mariella all take part in weekly drama classes at South Hampstead, one of dozens of clubs and activities that aim to open doors and minds beyond the curriculum. Drama teacher, Jessica Grant, added: “Everything they said was totally natural, nothing was scripted. The girls did a fabulous job and I am very proud of them.”