Holly Robinson Peete: Bret Michaels’ Health Trumps ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ Finale Outcome

Holly Robinson Peete may be happy to be in this Sunday’s “Celebrity Apprentice” finale – but she told Access Hollywood’s Tony Potts that facing off against health-stricken rocker Bret Michaels will be bittersweet.

“This is the most surreal reality show position ever,” she said. “Who knew back in October when we were taping this that all these things would happen?”

As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, over the last several months, Bret’s faced a number of medical crises, including an emergency appendectomy, a brain hemorrhage and most recently, a “warning stroke” and the discovery of a hole in his heart that put him back in the hospital. However, on Thursday, a rep for the rocker told Access that he was receiving outpatient care – and expecting to compete on the live finale on Sunday. On Friday, the rep added that Bret was expected to arrive in New York on Saturday.

“According to him, we have to wait for the sign off from his doctors,” Holly said, before revealing that it wouldn’t be easy to compete against her friend. “I love Bret, I have to tell you, we’ve all heard everyone spill how much they love Bret and how great he is. There’s definitely a downside to winning this thing for me. I’m very happy with the money that I’ve made… almost $400,000 for families affected by autism, so I feel blessed.”

That success has left her feeling like a winner already, regardless of Sunday’s outcome.

“I feel like I’ve already won, Tony,” she said. “Sometimes it’s better not to beat the guy who’s cheated death. I don’t want his fans coming after me.”

Holly added that the show’s also given her a set of new friends, Bret included – and her priority is his recovery.

“I made some friends that are lifelong friends forever. Bret is one of those so I’m absolutely thrilled I did it,” she said. “In the end, it’s a show and health is more important than anything.”