Off the back of yesterday's task, who do we think is displaying signs at this early stage that they could be a strong contender to win the show?

At the top of the pile I have (in order):

David
Hasn't put a foot wrong yet, good with people, can imagine going down well in interview stage.

Richard
Showed nous a number of times, plus good management and sales skills. His overconfidence could be his downfall later in the process.

Charleine
Makes salient points and seems popular with the majority of the candidates. Would be higher but I think her tendency to go against other candidates in the boardroom every week - even when on the winning team - may show her to be less of a team player.

Gary
Clearly very highly rated by his fellow candidates and has shown a knack at times for thinking outside the box and selling well with people. Got a strange feeling that if he makes it far enough, his business plan could also be decent.

Off the back of this week, I also thought that the following improved their chances with stronger performances:

- Scott
- April
- Joseph

In terms of the fodder, it's difficult to see Brett, Vana, Elle, Sam or Mergim making it all the way to the final five, let alone winning it, but that may just be me.

What are your thoughts?

1) David
Most well-rounded candidate so far, yet to put a foot wrong. A good PM as well.
2) Charleine
My favourite candidate this year, and the only woman to be standing out.
3) Scott
He's not been the most stable of candidates, but he's been very good so far, even when he lost as PM.
4) Richard
Something's a bit off about Richard for me, but he is a good candidate. Just seems a bit disconnected from the others.
5) Sam
Perhaps a more odd choice, Sam I think is being given the "Tom Gearing" edit - he's quite quiet, but will come into his own later on.

I quite like Sam's sensibility, but unless he has an absolute killer business proposal that Sugar's already aware of I'd be surprised if he gets that far. Doesn't fit Sugar's usual profile which usually requires a more polished sales technique than we've seen from him so far.

Scott wouldn't be a huge surprise as he seems likable but he's clearly very indecisive - could Claude or Karen's feedback send him down before this stage?

Joseph
I don't like him at all, but he seems to do a good job selling which will keep him in a while.

Elle
Hasn't had the best edit so far, but I think she seems calm and professional, and I think she might start to shine once the numbers start dwindling.

Richard
Very strong contender so far, despite not getting on with anyone.

David
Bubbly and enthusiastic, and a strong performer.

Gary
Seems quietly confident, and quite strong

There are other people that have been mentioned that could do it as well. I think Charleine will be this year's Katie - will do pretty well, but will go just before the interviews. I actually think that Sam is going to get a 'What do you actually do?' quite soon, similar to Jenny. It started last night, Lord Sugar didn't seem that clear on his contribution in the opening boardroom. I was expecting him to go if that team lost.

Having said that, I realise that I've put four men and one woman there. For that reason, it's unlikely to be that precise line-up (not impossible though - Series 5 and 8 did it).

In no particular order:

1) Elle. She seems generally competent and collected, if a bit under the radar.
2) Charleine. Pretty similar to Elle. She's also been a top salesperson so far.
3) Richard. Again, pretty competent, I liked his management, he's been good at sales. He really reminded me of Neil last night though, so I don't think he'll be a finalist.
4) Scott. He was a bit of a weak PM, but I can see him redeeming himself and he just seems like winner material.
5) David. Not put a foot wrong I guess.

David Charleine Gary Scott Natalie/April/Sam

I have no idea of their proposals yet.

The best proposal will not be fired

LOL, those are the two worst females still left in the show

David would be the favourite if it was still a job as the prize. Could see Vana redeeming herself and getting to the final 5. Scott was a weak PM but has been decent other than that

Scott

Vana

David

Richard

Because of all this drama surrounding both Selina and Charleine I'm inclined to believe neither of them will go on to win. And as for the other candidates, they either haven't stood out yet or they're utterly incompetent.

Mergim

Er...you sure about that? He seems like our plonker out of water for the year. Just curious, but why do you think he might go on to win?

April she was terrible as PM but she's coming across as quite competent within a team (just not leading it)
David I love this guy & his enthusiasm, I will admit I don't recall seeing him during the first episode & when I did spot him in episode two, thought they'd introduced a new candidate Since then he's been great.
Elle Good instincts when she sticks to them & a sensible head
Scott If he was a stick of rock he would have 'Sir Alan's apprentice' written right through him.
Charleine I like her & she's my favourite out of the girls bit it would seem the girls are not keen on her & this could be her downfall.

Of course what really matters is the business propoosal. I quite like Sam & if he has a killer proposal he could be up there also.

He's hung back a little but he's got razor sharp observation and the ability to mix and blend with the best of them.

Watch this space...Mergim is this year's dark horse.

love david.
sadly most people i support seem to finish runner up , either way he should do well