APPRENTICE star Stuart Baggs has said that 2011 is looking increasingly promising after signing a contract for a new TV show.
The 22 year old businessman told a packed Chamber of Commerce event that the show would be "a fantastic opportunity to promote the Isle of Man".
Stuart, who came fifth in the BBC One television show The Apprentice last year, was the guest speaker at the Chamber of Commerce lunch on Friday.
He spoke about his time on the show and his plans for the future.
Explaining his reasons for entering The Apprentice Stuart said: "The application was really very simple. It was one line – why not give the Isle of Man TV license payers value for money?"
Once the show was aired Stuart became a talking point across the UK after a number of classic one-liners including "I'm Stuart Baggs the brand" and "Everything I touch turns to sold".
He told the audience: "The public view of me is pretty mixed. I think 90 percent of you today have come along to see a public hanging."
Talking about the media reaction to him he said: "I thought I'd come across a lot better than I did. Isle of Man Newspapers were fantastically bad and I got pretty harsh press off Island but its all profile raising.
"People say were you edited badly? – No I am as bad in real life but at least I'm myself."
He said that "it was tough" dealing with untrue stories that people had sold on him while the show was being aired but added: "People thought who is this idiot trying to be a businessman. Clearly I'm not amazing - I've got a long way to come."
Talking about his future plans Stuart said: "2011 is looking increasingly promising. I signed a contract yesterday for a new TV show. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote the Isle of Man. I love the Isle of Man."
He also ruled himself out of entering Manx politics and said: "I contradict myself far too much to be a politician."
Summing up his experience on The Apprentice, the former Ramsey Grammar School pupil, said: "At the time I would have loved the job. When I was fired I thought my world had crumbled but now it's for the best."
Stuart was the guest speaker at the latest Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce event which was held at The Palace Hotel in Douglas on Friday, February 4.
His support for the event helped to raise over £1,000 for the local charity the Diana Trust which provides nursing care for patients wishing to die at home.
For more information on the charity click here.
