A HAMPSHIRE high-flyer has survived the first firing in the new series of The Apprentice despite being on the losing team.

Kate Walsh avoided a board room showdown with tycoon Sir Alan Sugar after her all-girls team lost the show’s first task – making as much money as possible by starting up a cleaning company. The women’s team made less profit than the men.

The 27-year-old business licensing manager, from Alresford, who says she models herself on Sex in the City character Samantha, was not selected by her team leader to face a grilling from Sir Alan. Kate, who has a degree in psychology and management, told viewers: “It’s a huge mistake to see me a dumb blonde.”

The indie music fan lists cooking, snowboarding and gym workouts as passions and says she is high-achiever in sales and marketing.