A BRADFORD businesswoman says she 'put her heart and soul' into competing on a popular TV show after quitting due to health reasons.

Shama Amin left BBC One's The Apprentice last night as the third task was about to get under way as she suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.

She told Lord Sugar of her decision to leave in front of the other candidates.

She had performed well on the winning women's team in the first two tasks; a cruise holiday experience featuring a TV advert and the second designing an electric toothbrush for children aged six to eight.

 

Shama then spoke for the first time about her departure during last night's 'The Apprentice: You're Fired', the show's BBC Two spin-off series hosted by comedian Tom Allen.

Shama says it was such a difficult decision to leave the show after she had gone through the initial 'gruelling' selection and interview process.

In an interview on 'You're Fired', where she appeared from Bradford, she said: "It was a once in a lifetime experience.

I did my best and that's all you can do. The experience was fantastic, it was amazing

"I didn't think in a million years that I would go in the way I did. I had to prioritise my health.

"I put my heart and soul into it."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Shama Amin speaks on last night's 'The Apprentice: You're Fired' Shama Amin speaks on last night's 'The Apprentice: You're Fired'

During last night's show, Shama said: “I would just like to say something, Lord Sugar, if that’s OK. I suffer from a condition called rheumatoid arthritis.

“Because of medical reasons, due to this process being so physically demanding, despite the efforts the whole team has made to support me, I’ve had to make a difficult decision to leave the process.”

Lord Sugar replies: "Well Shama, I’m really sad to hear that. I wish you and your family all the best for the future.”

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints and usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.

Amin's departure leaves 13 entrepreneurs in the running to win £250,000 worth of investment in their business and become Lord Sugar's next business partner.