The Apprentice — Isle of Wight firms have their say on BBC 1 episode

The episode, filmed last June for the show’s landmark 20th series, featured the traditional 'discount buying' task.

Candidates were briefed at The Hut in Colwell Bay, before being dispatched across the Island to track down nine cryptically described items at the lowest price they could negotiate — all before a 5pm deadline to catch the Hovertravel flight to Southsea from Ryde.

Items examples included ‘Something Blue’, an Isle of Wight sparkling blue wine, wittily described by Alan Sugar as 'Chateau Smurf-du-Pape'

Main image from BBC, with Isle of Wight background superimposed (Image: Main image from BBC, with IW background superimposed)

Apprentice Isle of Wight episode, whichstarted on the Cutty Sark in London (Image: BBC/Naked (A Freemantle Label))

The two groups struggled to identify some of the elements, achieving the final list, with varying degrees of success, before boarding the hovercraft at Ryde.

Teams were seen travelling along the Military Road, on The Downs, through Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde and Newport, and into shops and farms, from Newchurch to Arreton — negotiating, haggling, digging for garlic bulbs and even mucking out goats, desperate to secure bargains.

Businesses involved said the experience had been memorable and a welcome boost.

The Hut at Colwell Bay (Image: The Hut, Colwell Bay)

At The Hut, where the task list was first revealed, Clare Ryan, group marketing manager UK and Caribbean, said: "The Hut was chosen for the task’s initial planning discussions, with the teams split between our Deck and Roof Deck, both offering stunning views over Colwell Bay.

“Filming took place on a beautiful Isle of Wight morning and wrapped up seamlessly just before we opened — entirely unbeknown to our lunch guests.”

Grace’s Bakery, visited in both Ryde and Newport by candidates attempting to solve the Bird Nests clue, said the secret had been hard to keep.

Ray Redrup, of Grace's, said: “It was a proud moment to showcase the Isle of Wight doughnut, a recipe dating back to 1845.

"Waiting for the contestants to work out the clue, made for a brilliant day we’ll never forget. It was a fun and memorable experience.

“It hasn’t been easy keeping it a secret for the past ten months or so, but we’re thrilled to finally share the news and shine a spotlight on this special and tasty part of the Island’s heritage."

Aaron Isted, of Jurassic Jim, Shanklin, with one of Alan Sugar's aides on The Apprentice, Tim Campbell, the programme's first-ever winner, and candidates Kieran McCartney and Lawrence Rosenberg (Image: BBC)

Something Blue sparkling wine, produced by Adgestone Vineyard (Image: Adgestone Vineyard)

Aaron Isted, of Jurassic Jim, Shanklin, with one of Alan Sugar's aides on The Apprentice, Tim Campbell, the programme's first-ever winner (Image: Aaron Isted)

At Adgestone Vineyard, co‑owner Philippa Broughton, said: “It was a great experience to work with the production team and meet the candidates. There were certainly some characters in the mix!"

Wight Bike owner Jeff Smith said it was flattering to be featured, buying an eight-speed 'black cassette' for a bike transmission.

“To have them at our out‑of‑town store was fantastic and gives us great exposure," said Jeff.

Aaron Isted, the co-owner of Jurassic Jim in Shanklin, added: “It was amazing — they got to see the best of the Island.”

At the finish line, Hovertravel’s head of marketing, Loretta Lale, said the company enjoyed showcasing its “unique hovercraft and the delights of the iconic Isle of Wight”.