CAR salesman Adam Hosker became team leader but lost this week's task in the fight to become Sir Alan Sugar's new apprentice.

But despite being beaten by just £10 in the race to see who could sell the most sweets at London Zoo, the Blackburn contestant still scraped through to next week's episode.

Adam, 27, was at risk of eviction from BBC 1 show The Apprentice last night, alongside business graduate Natalie Wood and quantum physicist Dr Sophie Kain.

Adam's team were narrowly beaten by business development manager Ghazal Asif's Stealth outfit.

Even though Adam had more stock - chocolate pawprint lollies and orange lollies - he still sold £10 less than Ghazal's, who ran out of treats half an hour early.

The Lancashire lad's efforts were hampered when Natalie ignored his instructions and printed up labels boasting that their orange lollies were natural' - despite them containing more than a dozen artificial additives.

Scientist Sophie was also labelled a poor salesman by Adam - as she claimed she couldn't dish out products "she didn't believe in."

Team leader Adam managed to make children cry as he donned a lion costume and tried to drum up some business for his enterprise.

But Sir Alan was more concerned that Sophie didn't have what it takes to survive in the business jungle and fired her instead.

Before setting out on their task, Adam said: "Hopefully I can win over hearts and minds without being ruthless."

After laying the blame at the door of his colleagues for his failings at last night's eviction, Adam may face an uphill task when it comes to trust next week, when the teams face a photographic challenge.