The Apprentice has crowned its latest champion, with Lord Alan Sugar selecting Oldham's Marnie Swindells to be his next business partner.

Swindells, a 28-year-old court advocate and gold medal-winning boxer, secured Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment on Thursday (March 23) night's episode.

The Oldhamer owns a community-focused boxing gym called BRONX and will look to put the investment towards opening more gyms in the future.

Swindells said: "What an incredible opportunity and moment for a girl like me to get to a place like this and have become Lord Sugar’s business partner.

"It feels strange to even say that, but I’m not going to stop saying it because I am so happy."

She competed in the final against 35-year-old Bedfordshire salon owner Rochelle Anthony, and, in the end, Lord Sugar said he was taking a gamble by backing Swindells.

He said: "It’s a tough one, but Marnie, you’re asking me to invest in something which is completely alien to me to be honest and you’ve never run a business before.

"Rochelle, it’s opening the second one and it really is a difficult decision as to what industry I should be in.

"Two very excellent candidates. But I’ve always been known to be a gambler, I’ve always been known to try new horizons so I’m going to try a new horizon.

"Marnie, you are going to be my business partner."

Swindells was congratulated by Oldham Council and Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre.

According to Oldham Boxing, Marnie is a former member of the gym and a resident of St Mary's.