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The Apprentice reject Melody Hossaini has defended the BBC One programme, telling Insider: "It's all about finding the next big business person – not about how entertaining they are." Hossaini, originally from Birmingham, said the process, through which Lord Alan Sugar invests £250,000 in his chosen winner, was the greatest pressure she had ever been under.

Hossaini was kicked off the show last week (6 July) after losing a task based upon the merits of reinvestment. She described her time on the show, alongside 15 other hopefuls, as "the most immense pressure".

"The pressure was the most difficult thing to deal with," she said. "I’ve never felt anything like it, especially when I took up the project manger role in week one - that was really tough. It was a huge risk as well – you're working alongside and in charge of people you've only just met, and whose names you keep forgetting – it definitely wasn't easy."

Despite slipping ratings and a radical concept change this year – whereby Lord Sugar invests in a business concept rather than employ the winner – Hossaini said the show was not about achieving the elusive five minutes of fame.

"It is all about the entrepreneurs, definitely. Yes, it's an entertainment show, but its priority is about finding the next big entrepreneur - it always has to be. The people on the show are very serious about getting that end result," she said.

"Research has shown that programmes like The Apprentice and Dragons' Den have really inspired people to start their own business, and that’s great – young people need things like that," the 26-year-old added.

She added that this year's change in format "came at the right time".

"I think the change the show's premise was right this year – times are changing, and it’s the show's seventh series. Times are different to when it started. The job market is still struggling, people are looking into other options now and one of those might be starting up their own business. You don't get a better opportunity than to go into business with Lord Sugar," she said.

In the wake of her departure from The Apprentice, Hossaini said she has returned to running her business InspirEngage International.

"We have lots of exciting things in the pipeline, and I'm hosting a skills and development seminar in London next month. This is a great time for me to get out there and hopefully inspire people," she said.

The final four contestants will battle it out for Lord Sugar's investment in the final of The Apprentice on Sunday (17 July) on BBC One.