Apprentice contestants marry in lavish three-day wedding

Apprentice stars Harpreet Kaur and Akshay Thakrar are now a married couple. The 2022 champion and her business competitor turned lovers after the series wrapped up, getting engaged last May before their grand three-day wedding event earlier this month.

31-year-old Akshay revealed to OK! Magazine: "It's crazy — what a story that we met on the show." He humorously noted during his speech: "I said in my speech, 'I think I'm the only man who can say I met my wife on The Apprentice'."

32-year-old Harpreet also shared: "We would love to start a family, but we're going to wait. I want to appreciate each other and travel first."

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Their matrimonial festivities kicked off with a civil ceremony at Wentbridge House Hotel in West Yorkshire. The bride wore a lovely white gown and veil from Enzoani for the "simple but personal" vow exchange.

Commenting on her dress, she said: "It was beautiful, I've always dreamt of a white wedding dress as, being Indian, we don't always make a fuss of that day or the legal bit."

Following a heartwarming roast dinner with the attendees, the couple separated as per tradition, ahead of a Hindu function at Watford's Hare Krishna Temple. There was a quirky throwback to how they met, as the tune from The Apprentice played when the couple played a traditional game in which the victor is termed the "boss" of the relationship - mirroring the outcome of the series, Harpreet was victorious.

The third day of celebrations saw the newlyweds revel in their wedding reception, with the bride stunning in red and the groom dapper in his suit. Harpreet shared her joy: "It was the best party I've ever been to. We honestly just had the best night of our lives."

Her husband Akshay echoed: "The only way I can describe our wedding is that it felt like a movie, it was amazing.." He continued, expressing their instant connection: "We knew the other was The One straight away, and it's just gone from strength to strength from the beginning. Actually, getting married was more of a formality since we already knew."

Despite Lord Alan Sugar declining the invitation to their nuptials, Harpreet - who has since repurchased her shares from the business magnate - stated there were no hard feelings. The celebration was instead attended by fellow former candidates Kathryn Louise Burn, Brittany Carter, Akeem Bundu-Kamara, and Nick Showering, as well as the very first winner of The Apprentice, Tim Campbell, who now serves as an advisor on the programme. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.