...... when exactly did all this really take place? If a week or so ago, it's amazing someone hadn't spilled the beans (to make shedloads from the tabloids) about who had won.

In the final boardroom where Sir Alan decides who is hired they recorded both Claire and Lee winning. The Claire winning version was sent out as a 'preview' copy of the final episode to those who got their hands on it earlier in the week, which is probably why Claire was the favourite to win yesterday. I think he only made the decision the other day, as they filmed You're Hired on Tuesday night, my guess is that on Tuesday Lee found out he was the apprentice.

My understanding of it always was that they filmed two alternate endings, as the previous poster said. Then a few nights before the final is aired Sir Alan actually decides.

I remember Michelle Dewberry and the Badger talking about it on tv at the time they were in the final.

Bless you AntiInternet! You try to be helpful and are met with abuse.

Well done the_phoo for your back-up

The final task was filmed some time ago. When the candidates left the house at 7:35am it was still dark - seeing as it is light at 4:00am now...

It's a bit harsh to film two endings.. :|

And suddenly Claire crying in the boardroom after Lee winning seems odd

For such a high profile series, the final has always seemed a bit flat to me - as it's all obviously pre-recorded months ago

I can't understand why they don't go the US route and at least have the final announcement "live" in front of an audience

Maybe they did that one first and didn't tell her

An interesting guide to the continuity, etc.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6729621.stm