THE Apprentice's James McQuillan was the master of foot-in-mouth blunders in Sir Alan's boardroom.

But now his feet are firmly on the ground in training for next month's London Marathon, along with series winner Yasmina Siadatan and co-star Howard Ebison.

To generate funds for their charities, the trio will be in Nottingham's Victoria Centre later this month. They will be pounding away on treadmills and inviting the public to have a go in return for a donation.

"The furthest I have run is to the bar for last orders," said James, 33, who is married with a three-year-old son. He is watching his diet, having given up alcohol and crisps for Lent.

"There were two exemptions for the alcohol ban: St Patrick's Day – I think the Catholic Church turn a blind eye – and [when] I watched Ireland playing football the other night."

James, like Howard, is running in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity supported James' mum, Joan, before she died of cancer last year, aged 53.

"When I'm running and I'm knackered I think about the struggle my mother had and it pales into insignificance and gives me a boost," he said.

Joan died before seeing her son on television.

James said: "After the first couple of weeks, I was mortified. My dad said maybe she was lucky she didn't see me."

James bounced back from the brink of being fired four times to emerge as one the most likeable characters – and an unintentional comic with his howlers.

"I told Alan Sugar that the other team were out riding around on horses (as their reward for winning) and I was sitting there having to look at him. He said that was his wife's favourite."

Another classic was: "When I wake up in the morning, I can taste success in my spit."

James explains: "I am a nervous person. When you look at the boardroom scene it's nerve-wracking. When you're in there it's 10 times that, hence the phrases. I didn't think them through."

After the programme the former trolley collector and nightclub doorman returned to his job with broadband provider TalkTalk. He also works for the Jockey Club as a race day presenter at Kempton Park.

It will be Yasmina's second marathon. Six years ago she ran the New York event in 5 hours 34 minutes. She is running for the Alzheimer's Society.

"My auntie Mary suffers from Alzheimer's and it's very close to my heart. She was 55 – very young – when diagnosed and she's 61 now. As a family we have been through so much."

After winning the series, Yasmina, 28, has landed a job selling digital screens to GP practices and other NHS bodies. She sees Lord Sugar often.

"I have gained so much experience by working with Lord Sugar.We have a great working relationship. He's very firm but very fair," said Yasmina.

As well as running the marathon, Howard, 25, is in the Evening Post's Shape Up Notts team who are running the Robin Hood half marathon in September. Living in Derby, with his partner Brett, he's no stranger to Nottingham.

He said: "I came over for the German market before Christmas. I've had a few nights at Tantra and I really like the Ropewalk."

Howard was an area manager, running 10 London pubs, before the TV programme. Last October he became business development manager for No 1 Traveller, which operates airport lounges and transfers at Stanstead and Gatwick.

"The most important thing you can do in The Apprentice if you don't win is to learn from why you don't win," said Howard, who was fired for not being a big enough risk-taker.

"You go in thinking you know your limits but you're capable of so much more."

Some of The Apprentice candidates have kept in touch – and Kate and Phillip are still an item. Ben "I had a scholarship to Sandhurst" Clarke doesn't rate highly in the popularity stakes.

"Me and Ben have different goals so we don't talk that often," says James.

Howard is less diplomatic: "He was so annoying."

The trio will be on the upper floor of Victoria Centre, Nottingham, (where Jerry's fish tank used to be) from 9am to 5.30pm on March 27. Joining them will be Paul Shaw, from Beeston, who is raising funds for Visually Impaired Children Taking Action.

On March 26 Yasmina, Howard and James will be at The Apprentice: She's Hired, He's Fired at Latino's restaurant, in Beeston, at 7.30pm in aid of their charities and the Treetop's Hospice Ripple Appeal.

The evening, compered by East Midlands Today weatherman Des Coleman, includes behind-the-scenes secrets, an auction and a battle-of-the-sexes game.Tickets, £3, are available by calling 9394551.