A dance teacher-turned entrepreneur from the West Midlands is among the new cohort of contestants on BBC show The Apprentice.

Jemma Bird, aged 26, the founder of Amplify, a performing arts coaching company, is among a group of 20 who will fight for Sir Alan Sugar's praise on the popular BBC One show.

Ms Bird, from Walsall, rates Simon Cowell as a role model. She is a trained dancer and dance teacher and passionate about the arts. Her proudest business achievement to date has been founding an entertainment cabaret agency, for which she scouts performers, sources bookings, produces performances and markets the business.

She said: "I'm always the girl that nearly wins, I'm hoping this time it will be different."

She follows a long line of West Midlanders to take part in the show. Last year it was burrito seller Tim Stillwell , who followed the likes of Anita Shah and Joy Stefanicki from the city.           

The show starts next Tuesday, October 14, on BBC One.