Apprentice lovebirds Harpreet and Akshay have admitted they never thought they would fall in love on the show as they talked about their “intense” marriage proposal.
2022 series winner Harpreet Kaur got engaged to fellow contestant Akshay Thakrar in May after proposing to him on a London rooftop with a display of red roses.
But while his mother hinted at the possibility of a romance on the show, Akshay, 30, told OK! He insisted she was “not being silly,” assuming that wouldn’t happen.
“I never thought I would meet anyone on the show,” said Harpreet, 32, echoing her partner’s sentiments in Thursday’s interview. “I just didn’t expect it at all.”
Akshay revealed that just like the high-profile business expo, the proposal was “intense” and the wind was determined to ruin his carefully decorated presentation.
Apprentice lovebirds Harpreet Kaur and Akshay Thakrar (to be seen in 2023) admitted they never thought they would fall in love on the show and spoke of their “intense” London proposal
Harpreet, who won The Apprentice in 2022, got engaged to fellow contestant Akshay in May after proposing to him with a stunning display of red roses on a London rooftop (both in their promo shots for the 2022 series see)
“It was really intense,” he said. “I wanted to propose to London Bridge but the wind was so strong all I could think about was the stand tipping over.
“As soon as Harpreet said yes, relief came over me.”
And Harpreet said the relief was more than obvious because instead of immediately hugging her to bask in her new adventure, he clapped his hands and shouted, “Brilliant. Done.”
That didn't ruin the wonderful day, she said, adding: “But it was a pleasant surprise.” It was beautiful. “Every girl deserves to propose like this.”
Before joining the show, Akshay said his mother joked about him finding love and told him, “Good luck you might find your wife.”
“I told her not to be silly because it was a business fair and such a high-pressure environment,” he said.
And if first impressions were anything to go by, their romance seemed unlikely.
Harpreet said that on the first day of The Apprentice, Akshay gave her a serious look and then looked away.
Akshay revealed that just like the high-profile business expo, the proposal (pictured) was “intense” and the wind was determined to ruin his carefully decorated presentation
Along with the loved-up snap, Akshay wrote, “I would find you in any life❤️ Our journey started in the most unexpected way.” Now it's time to begin our eternal chapter. She said yes'
Before joining the show, Akshay (starring Harpreet in 2022) said his mother joked about how he found love and told him, “Good luck you might find your wife.”
It made her think that he was only here for business reasons. “He doesn’t look very friendly,” she thought at the time.
But two years later the pair were completely in love and within 12 months of the show ending they had bought a house, got engaged and started planning their wedding.
“My plan was not to make any friends,” revealed Akshay. “I wanted everyone to be afraid of me.”
“But there was a point where Harpreet made a pitch and I thought, 'I would love a partner like her.'
And as their romance blossomed, Harpreet revealed that their relationship “escalated quickly” because they already had the important foundation of “trust and friendship.”
“We almost knew we would get married at some point,” she added.
The pair are both Indian, but said they have slightly different cultures, so their wedding will be a mix of both, with some elements of an English ceremony.
The “three or four day event” consists of a traditional English wedding, followed by Indian ceremonies and a huge party with a guest list of around 150 people.
Two years later, the pair (seen in 2022) are completely in love and, within 12 months of the show ending, had bought a house, gotten engaged and started planning their wedding
The couple (seen in 2022) are both Indian, but said they have slightly different cultures, so their wedding will be a mix of both, with some elements of an English ceremony
And fellow contestant and Harpreet's best friend, Kathryn Burn, will be one of her bridesmaids.
Harpreet and Akshay confirmed their romance in August 2022 when they shared a snapshot to mark their three-month relationship.
The couple's stunning wedding scene took place on a London rooftop with a display of roses, sparklers and an LED sign that read “Will you marry me?”
Harpreet looked glamorous in a metallic dress as she showed off her stunning engagement ring from the London diamond retailer.
Along with the loved-up snap, Akshay wrote, “I would find you in any life❤️ Our journey started in the most unexpected way.” Now it's time to begin our eternal chapter. She said yes.'
Her Apprentice co-stars were quick to congratulate the couple in the comments section.
Brittany Carter wrote: “I literally have tears in my eyes.” I'm so happy for you both, this is just the best thing that has ever happened. CONGRATULATIONS.'
Kathryn Louise Burn said: “MY BEST FRIEND IS GETTING MARRIED AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! 'I'm so happy for you both, a match made in heaven.'