Lord Alan Sugar fired mother-of-three and teacher Jaz Ampaw-Farr in the first episode of The Apprentice series nine.
Jaz volunteered herself to be Project Manager of the girls' team, but ended up regretting the decision as they lost out to the boys by under £60 in a basic sales task.
Sugar challenged his new candidates to sell a container load of goods, including toilet roll, water and novelty lucky cats, for as much cash as possible across a 24-hour period.
Jason Leech's boys' team picked up £1,167.90, edging ahead of Jaz's team's £1,109.30. The boys were rewarded with a luxury dinner from a top Fortnum and Mason chef.
Jaz brought Sophie Lau and Uzma Yakoob back in the boardroom for the final showdown, but Sugar questioned Jaz's logic in bringing back the team's logistical planner Uzma and immediately ruled out firing her.
Sugar gave "deep consideration" to Sophie's place in the competition, criticising her poor sales and the fact that she didn't pull her weight on the task.
However, ultimately, it was Jaz who was held responsible for the team's blunders.
"Jaz, there was terrible mayhem going on, bad organisation, fatal mistakes made, and I do believe that your biggest mistake was jumping in too quickly," said Sugar.
"On that basis Jaz, you're fired."
Speaking after her firing, Jaz remained upbeat, commenting: "If I had my time again, I'd love to say I wouldn't volunteer, but I know I would.
"I'm gutted to be fired before I've a chance to show how amazing I am, and I really wanted to go right through to the end of the process because my business plan is phenomenal."
The Apprentice continues tomorrow night (Wednesday, May 8) at 9pm on BBC One.
