Sorry, I got the impression that although mentioned in rumours, it was only based on "pattern" rather than any true spoiler and speculation. Don't think there is anything more than speculation. That's why I didn't think it mattered here. I haven't got a clue who is going this week.

Mona had very little ability at anything and was a negative member of most of her teams - it was hardly a surprise he got rid of her though arguably there are even less smart people left who could have gone earlier. Quiet intelligent girls like Shazia who don't say much tend not to last long enough either.

Isn't this the week Sir Alan can fire someone just 'cause they look a fool on camera?

Don't they have to keep a shopping channel audience interested or somesuch?

Kate looked a right fool in the next week clip.

He also says "what a plonker" though. Which can only refer to James. And Lorraine looks like she freezes too. So really, I don't think I can choose anybody with absolute certainty.

He didn't fire Simon or Kristina in S3's shopping channel task, and they both looked like prize fools. Presenting is only one aspect of the task; product selection and direction are also crucial.

Ah, I see. I wouldn't call that a rumour then, which to me is based ultimately on someone claiming to have actual knowledge. If it's just speculation, that's fine.

Both Naomi and Miriam were excellent on television. Basically this is the task when Siraan fires whoever he damn well pleases - if something doesn't sell you can either blame it on the person selling it, or the people who chose it. Therefore it's a crap shoot.

The task itself matters not one jot, except as to which team wins, and even that is more easily rigged this week than 75% of all other tasks.

Even Sir Alan pretty much admitted firing Miriam was a travesty when he apologised to her afterwards.

Naomi was of course also a travesty, though he's never owned up to that.

Kate has 'Emotional Intelligence' - both as a team member and as a Team Leader she has consistently displayed excellent inter-personal skills; she diffuses tensions, deflects criticism, doesn't get too defensive or drawn into personal attacks and finds ways to support others even while making it clear she doesn't agree 100%.

I agree that she can only throw this away now: I just don't see the same level of skills from Howard?? I favour James and Lorraine above him (quirks and all)! and can't stand Debra - I'd quit rather than have to work with someone like her.

Whether my criteria match SirAlun's is another point altogether though!

I think the difference between Kate and Naomi and Miriam is that Naomi and Miriam were both on teams with the eventual winners and another big male character who was very popular.

Kate is with Lorraine and Howard. Howard could still win but unlike Tim and Simon he hasn't stood out or been part of any major relationships/stories in the show or been praised that much by Nick and Margaret. Lorraine..well...nice woman that she is , is neither a highly popular character or the eventual winner (and this isn't a spoiler I'm just assuming).

Indeed the most pitiful "plonker" performance last year came from the eventual winner.