Apprentice winner Lee McQueen has paid tribute to his 'inspiration' - long-term girlfriend Nicola Jellyman - after landing his dream job with Sir Alan Sugar.

The former salesman, who last week clinched the £100,000-a-year position from fellow finalist Claire Young, credits his victory to the blonde company director.

Power couple: Apprentice winner Lee McQueen introduces his 'inspiration', girlfriend Nicola Jellyman

Lee's girl: The new Apprentice posed for this week's issue of Hello! magazine, out today

The 30-year-old says: 'She's been a huge inspiration to me. She's fantastic at what she does and she's drop-dead gorgeous - she's got it all!

The pair began dating more than nine years ago after he was drawn in by her determination for success.

He adds: 'She was really driven and ambitious and that was massively attractive to me. I could tell she was going places and I wanted to be part of it.'

The couple currently live together in a £500,000 home in Princes Risborough, Bucks, and Lee admits being apart from her during the show was his most difficult challenge.

He told Hello! magazine: 'Being away from Nicola was the hardest thing about being on The Apprentice. When I came home, she threw her arms around me and we both just burst into tears.'

As well as his new position, Lee says he is also contemplating marriage and children.

You're hired: Sir Alan Sugar named Lee McQueen his new Apprentice last week

'We know we're meant to be together. There was a time, a couple of years back, when we were on holiday in Las Vegas and the most perfect moment to propose to Nicola presented itself; a certain song came on and it was just so right, but I didn't do it.

'I think I should have seized that moment. But there will be another even more perfect moment, I'm sure.'

For her part, Nicola adds: 'He's very traditional in that he wants to provide for his family. At the moment, though, we just have kittens. Their our babies.'

Lee is set to begin work on Sir Alan's latest business venture, helping to develop, install and sell advertising on digital billboards.

Hello! magazine is on sale now.

Victory: Lee shares a hug with runner-up Claire Young