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BBC Confirms 'The Apprentice' Series 20 Launch as Vetting Row Triggers Producer Review

The broadcaster says it was unaware of contestant Levi Hague’s historic offensive posts, requesting a review of social‑media checks by producer Naked.

Overview

  • The 20th series begins on 29 January on BBC One and iPlayer with 20 candidates competing for a £250,000 investment under Lord Sugar, with Karren Brady and Tim Campbell as advisers.
  • The full line-up has been published, featuring contestants including Dan Miller, Roxanne Hamedi and Levi Hague, with the opening episode filmed in Hong Kong.
  • Hague has apologised for racist and sexist posts from 2012–13, stating they do not reflect his current values.
  • The BBC says the production company will review its vetting processes, as some insiders quoted in the Daily Mail claim repeated failures have put pressure on the show’s future.
  • Producers trail tasks such as creating a children’s book, selling live on television and running a corporate away day in El Gouna, Egypt, as the format marks its 20th outing.