The former supermarket checkout girl from Hull announced last week that she had quit the £100,000-a-year job with Sir Alan Sugar which was her prize for winning the show.

Asked how the tycoon reacted to news of her pregnancy, Michelle insisted he had been supportive, although she admitted: "He was shocked - but that was a mutual reaction."

She has now set up her own freelance consultancy business, Michelle Dewberry Limited.

Michelle quits job with Sir Alan - Sep 29, 2020
The Apprentice TV show winner Michelle Dewberry is quitting Sir Alan Sugar’s company, it was announced today.

The former checkout girl is starting her own consultancy business, Michelle Dewberry Ltd.

Michelle, 26, from Hull, landed the £100,000 job after beating 15,000 rivals on the BBC2 series with her cool temperament, fierce determination and the way she had overcome her difficult upbringing.

But she was recently reported to be on gardening leave after becoming pregnant with fellow contestant Syed Ahmed’s child.

Michelle discovered she had lost the baby after going to hospital suffering from stomach pains last month.

Today the former telecoms consultant said: "I am so grateful for the experience I have gathered from Sir Alan and others within his organisation.

"I am excited to take these learnings and help other companies by way of my new company, MDL."

Sir Alan, 59, said: "I wish Michelle the best of luck with her new venture.

"She leaves with my blessing, and there is no question that I would consider using her new company to work with her again on special projects that need evaluating."

A statement from both the Amstrad boss and Michelle said that she decided to move on because her computer disposal project had been "concluded".

Apprentice lovers relationship ’on hold’ - Sept 19, 2020
Apprentice stars Michelle Dewberry and Syed Ahmed have put their relationship "on hold" following the tragic loss of their unborn baby.

The pair met last year while battling for a £100,000-a-year job with Sir Alan Sugar in the second series of the BBC Two reality TV show.

Apprentice winner Michelle, 26, was told she had suffered a miscarriage after being rushed to hospital last month suffering from stomach pains.

Syed, 32, tells Star magazine: "When you lose a baby, things change. "You’ve got forces acting against you. I really don’t know why. It’s almost as though you’ve lost something more than a baby.

"You’ve lost a part of your chemistry too. We have got to the point where staying together is causing more problems," he said. "At the moment the only thing I’m concerned about is Michelle doing well. That’s what I’m doing. I’m supporting her to make sure she is healthy and well, and she can get over her pain.

"Our relationship has just been put on hold. It’s a lot to take in - we are both trying to break out and do our own thing, so we will have to see where it goes. I do still have strong feelings for Michelle."

Of his business plans, Syed also says in the interview that there "could even be future possible partnerships" with Sir Alan Sugar. He says: "The first thing he did after the show ended was introduce me to his family. They were all Syed fans and wanted pictures taken with me."