Physicist given the boot

Updated 09.56 Thu Apr 19 2007

Keywords: Sophie Kain, Alan Sugar, The Apprentice

The latest candidate to be given the boot by Sir Alan Sugar is resigned to the fact that she will never be rich.

Welsh quantum physicist Sophie Kain, 32, was fired from The Apprentice by Sir Alan after struggling to sell lollipops to children at London Zoo.

Welsh quantum physicist, Sophie Kain, 32, was fired from The Apprentice by Sir Alan Sugar after struggling to sell lollipops to children at London Zoo

She complained in the boardroom that she did not want to sell something that she did not believe was "value for money". A remark which seemingly sealed her fate.

Sir Alan, who has made his millions in the electronics business said: "This is the real world love, this is not your scientific protons and neutrons. That's what retailers do. It's the pot calling the kettle black.

"The pharmaceutical industry are the biggest culprits going. These pills that we're popping all the time curing diseases, cost fractions of pennies to produce and then the National Health Service is laying out £500 a pill.

"I'm wondering, have I got another one here who should really stick to what they know? ... You're Fired!"

Speaking about her exit from the BBC1 show, Dr Kain said: "I've learnt from the programme that I value my principles more than money. I'm never going to be rich but I am going to be successful."