Lord Sugar and The Apprentice winner Sarah Lynn have part ways after the businesswoman made history

She won the BBC show in 2017 alongside James White, leaving fans furious at Lord Sugar’s ‘cop out’ decision to give them both the £250,000 investment.

But The Apprentice star Sarah Lynn has now part ways from Lord Sugar after being business partners for five years.

Andrew Bloch, spokesperson for Lord Sugar told MailOnline: ‘ Lord Sugar has parted company with The Apprentice winner Sarah Lynn. Sarah has purchased Lord Sugar’s shareholding in her confectionary business, Sweets In The City, giving her full control back of her business.’

He continued: : ‘Sarah won the 2017 show – securing a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar. It has been an amicable separation and Lord Sugar will be following Sarah’s progress with much interest and affection.’ 

Sarah added: ‘I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and support gained from Lord Sugar and his team which has been invaluable.’

The businesswoman put the prize money into her successful confectionery company Sweets In The City – where you can get sweet treats delivered to your door.

Andrew Bloch, spokesperson for Lord Sugar told MailOnline: ‘Sarah has purchased Lord Sugar’s shareholding in her confectionary business, Sweets In The City, giving her full control back of her business.’

A source also told The Sun: ‘This will have come as a huge blow for Sarah, though it shouldn’t have been too big a surprise for her.

‘She joins a long line of entrepreneurs who won The Apprentice only to find themselves splitting with Lord Sugar some time later.

‘The situation is obviously likely to attract greater attention because she was the first joint winner on the Beeb show.’

Double win: She won the BBC show in 2017 alongside James White, leaving fans furious at Lord Sugar’s ‘cop out’ decision to give them both the £250,000 investment

Sarah received the hefty financial support to better her already flourishing confectionery business, while James would improve his Birmingham-based IT recruitment company.

The 13th series was the first time in The Apprentice history that two people received an investment from Lord Sugar.

In December 2020, it was revealed that James and Lord Sugar had parted ways due to the business facing several setbacks.

However, Lord Sugar let James keep the money he invested and said in a statement: ‘I wish James all the very best for the future and will follow his progress with interest.’ 

A handful have gone on to build business empires that are bringing in the money, including Tom Pellereau, Ricky Martin, Leah Totton, Mark Wright, Sian Gabbidon and Carina Lepore.

But several of The Apprentice winners have decided they no longer need the billionaire’s support and have parted ways.

Joseph Valente split from Lord Sugar just two years after he invested £250,000 into his plumbing business – which he has now sold as it owed almost £2million to creditors. 

Alana Spencer, who put the prize money into her baking business Ridiculously Rich, bought back  Lord Sugar’s shares as the company’s profits kept increasing. 

Business: Several of The Apprentice winners have decided they no longer need the billionaire’s support and have parted ways – including Joseph Valente (pictured right)