“I had a very good feeling he would be there. He has the right kind of character, the right approach and the right business so I thought he would be a very good fit for Lord Sugar.”
Mr Burns expressed astonishment both finalists were announced as winners — the first time it has happened in 13 series of the show.
He said: “I was absolutely astounded. It was as big a shock to me as it was to the rest of the audience.”
He revealed that despite appearing in the final, which was filmed in advance, he had not found out about the outcome until the follow-up show You’re Hired was filmed last week that.
Mr Burns, a management consultant currently working with his family jewellery firm, was convinced both winners would go on to make their mark in business.
“I’m sure that success is almost guaranteed, with being Lord Sugar’s partner and the coverage that they will get now. It’s almost like they can’t fail.”
