The young men wanting to marry 'Queen of Mean'

SHE IS famous as the “Queen of Mean” on The Apprentice, leaving hapless contestants quaking and ruthlessly destroying their business plans.

- Sue Crawford

But tough-talking Linda Plant has revealed her fierce reputation has not put off would-be suitors. In fact, her high-profile role on Lord Sugar’s hit BBC show has led to countless marriage proposals – many from men half her age.

“I’ve never had a problem attracting men,” she said. “I always get several marriage proposals after The Apprentice – but usually from 25 to 30-year-olds.”

But she added: “I’m a high-energy woman and I like to be around high-energy people and that cuts out a lot of guys.

“It’s about finding the right person, finding your soulmate. I am happy and I am in a relationship. I wouldn’t say it’s the love of my life but it’s OK.

“I don’t suffer fools gladly and I probably intimidate a lot of men, so those men I don’t want anyway, because if I can intimidate you, you’re not for me.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve been the biggest success at relationships but it is what it is.”

Despite her reputation as a no-nonsense businesswoman, the 72-year-old admits that when it comes to romance, she actually doesn’t want to be the boss.

“I like a man to take charge. As much as I’ve been a successful woman, I believe it’s a man’s world,” she explained to Kaye Adams on her How To Be 60 podcast.