BBC

The Apprentice's Simon sent packing

Updated 12.40 Thu Apr 17 2008

Keywords: Smith, Simon, Alan, Sugar, Sir, The Apprentice

Former Army surveyor Simon Smith is the latest contestant to be kicked off The Apprentice.

Smith, 36, who admitted he acted like David Brent on the show to win over Sir Alan Sugar, said he deserved to be thrown off the show.

Smith, 36, who admitted he acted like David Brent on the show to win over Sir Alan Sugar, said he deserved to be thrown off the show

The father-of-one said: "I completely unravelled. I'm not completely delusional. I'm aware of my limitations. I'm a good team worker but I wasn't a good manager. I resemble David Brent at certain times in that last episode.

"I wanted to throw my fist into the TV at the bit where I'm lying down on the sofa demonstrating how I want my customers to look. I was aware when I did it that I'd just provided them with an absolutely classic moment.

"Sir Alan was right to fire me. It was the right time for me to go."

Smith was given an exemplary discharge from the Royal Artillery, where he specialised as a surveyor, in 1998.

After being fired by Sir Alan, Smith was given a job back with his former employer, rolling out new technology for the National Lottery.