Ian Stringer Ian Stringer It was battle of the themed pub nights on The Apprentice yesterday.

Cue: stale spaghetti and tantrums over curry.

But who got served last orders?

Ian Stringer was the man to take the fall.

Yes, it was ta-ra to the 26-year-old sales manager, who had previously bragged that he was a winner all the way.

In fact, he claimed he couldn't even utter the word beginning with L (loser, in case you're wondering... so original, these business sound bites).

But it was a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire for Ian in last night's episode, as he led the fellas (team Renaissance) into an enthusiastic but ultimately ill-fated Taste Of Italy event at a pub in London's Hampstead.

Alan Sugar held him responsible for the resulting profit losses and, predictably, he was sent packing.

But Ian still insisted he was a high flyer after exiting the comp, saying: "I absolutely think I'm a winner - no question."

Although he admitted he was "pretty gutted to be honest and disappointed" to be out.

Meanwhile the girls, team Alpha, kicked butt as they hosted a cheap but cheerful Bollywood night in Islington, north London - they even managed to throw a dancing waiter into the bargain.

It was girl power at it's very best - but will they keep it up next week?

Watch this space.