Letterkenny beauty salon owner Aoibheann Walsh has been unveiled as a candidate on the new series of The Apprentice in the UK.

Aoibheann, a native of Kerrykeel, has run the award-winning G&G Beauty Salon for the past 10 years.

She’ll be battling it out for the opportunity of a lifetime – to win Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment and mentorship.

In recent years Aoibheann has been developing a utility belt specifically for hairdressers, makeup artists, and costume designers on the go.

She will be vying against 18 other ambitious candidates as she hopes to bring her patented product to the next stage.

Aoibheann said her part on the show has been the “toughest kept secret of my life”.

Sharing the news today, she said: “For those who know me, you know how passionate I am about my work and the incredible people I meet along the way. I’ve developed a groundbreaking patented product “SashSó” which I know you will absolutely love. With a little help from Lord Sugar’s investment (did he invest? You’ll have to wait and see!), launching very soon!”

Aoibheann has always been a determined businesswoman, having set up her own business at the age of 24.

She won “Best Business Startup 2015” within just six months, and has since gone on to be awarded “Best Wedding Hair & Makeup” for four consecutive years. Aoibheann is a top choice for many brides across the north west and beyond.

As she powers ahead with plenty of experience under her belt, she hopes her journey on competition will inspire other women in business to follow their goals.

“I aspired to inspire by striving to exemplify how hard work and determination can pave the way to success, particularly for women across all industries. I wish to demonstrate that they possess the power to carve their own paths and realise their dreams, all while upholding their dignity and professionalism,” she said.

“I believe I deserve Lord Sugar’s investment as like him I have achieved my success through hard work and perseverance alone, this is highlighted due to my proven track record of success in one of the most lucrative industries. I can present a business model that maximises profit potential while minimising risk. I have already identified a gap in the market, secured patents, and developed prototypes; what I need now is an investor like Lord Sugar to amplify the reach of my products.”

This series will have one other Irish contestant – animation entrepreneur Jordan Dargan from Dublin is the series’ youngest contestant.

The Apprentice will begin on BBC One from Thursday 30 January at 9pm.