The BBC’s popular entrepreneurial contest The Apprentice is reportedly bringing back its celebrity spin-off in late 2025 to celebrate the programme’s 20th anniversary.
It will be the first time since 2009 that famous faces compete under the guidance of Lord Alan Sugar, 77, in the boardroom.
Production insiders are said to be pursuing big names, including Cheryl Tweedy and Piers Morgan, both of whom previously participated in The Apprentice’s celebrity specials. A TV source suggested that booking Morgan specifically would generate “TV gold” given his longstanding rivalry with Lord Sugar, who has fronted every iteration of the franchise.
While few high-profile guests have been approached so far, executives reportedly plan to take their time securing the right line-up in order to maximise the show’s appeal in a special anniversary year. If confirmed, the celebrity edition will likely hit screens shortly before the broadcast of the 20th ‘civilian’ series of The Apprentice, maintaining the brand’s momentum.
The original version of The Apprentice launched in the UK on 15 February 2005, quickly becoming a ratings success. A pair of celebrity fundraisers followed soon after, with notable participants including Sir (now Lord) Alan Sugar’s eventual colleague, Baroness Karren Brady, as well as Piers Morgan, Cheryl Tweedy, and Maureen Lipman.
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