Overview
- The Apprentice returns on January 29 on BBC One and iPlayer with 20 candidates competing for Lord Alan Sugar’s £250,000 investment under advisers Karren Brady and Tim Campbell.
- The BBC said it was completely unaware of Hague’s past comments and asked producer Naked to fully review vetting processes after the posts were unearthed; Hague has issued an apology.
- At a preview screening, Lord Sugar said he has renewed his deal with the BBC for three more years and criticised the corporation’s promotional trailers for not clearly stating the launch date.
- This landmark series features high‑pressure tasks at home and abroad, including a Hong Kong opener and a corporate away day on the Red Sea in El Gouna, Egypt.
- Casting scrutiny has intensified after a run of past controversies involving contestants, with some reports claiming insiders question the show’s direction and vetting rigor.