Lord Alan Sugar reveals the thing he 'regrets' about The Apprentice

The Apprentice is now in its 18th series

Author: Charlotte RoszkoPublished 1st Feb 2024

Lord Alan Sugar has revealed his biggest 'regret' about The Apprentice as the show returns for its 18th series. When the series first aired back in 2005, the prize that the candidates were vying for was the opportunity to be hired as Lord Sugar's apprentice.

In 2011, the format of the show was changed, offering the contestants the chance to win a ÂŁ250,000 investment for their business. When asked what he would have done differently on The Apprentice, Lord Sugar told Metro: "The regrets were effectively after series seven, that the giving a person a job was not working out too well.

"That's when I said I can't do that anymore, it's causing too much embarrassment amongst my workers and I want to change the format to going into business with somebody. And from then on, it's taken off like a rocket."

Lord Sugar also revealed that fans can expect to see a 19th series of the popular show, but series 20 has not yet been discussed. However, he added that there has been thoughts about how they could mark The Apprentice's 20th anniversary.

He explained: "We are all thinking. The BBC are all thinking. To do a special gala performance, whatever you want to call it, it's going to cost more money. We've got to look at budgets and things like that.

"And by the way, the BBC have got to agree to do it, because it's not cast in concrete. The 19th series is, but the 20th hasn't been discussed yet. I've already had the discussions with them, and they're giving it deep consideration.

"I think there will be a 20th series, no question of it, although I can't promise it. It'll have to be announced by the BBC."

Teasing what fans can expect to see in the new series, Lord Sugar said: "Let me put it this way - it's going to be a great, great series. So watch out. Watch out for some great episodes."

Take a look at The Apprentice series 18 candidates:

Phil Turner - FINALIST

Occupation: Owner, Pie Company
From: Bognor Regis


He said: "You don't grow a multi-million-pound business by being a pushover."

Rachel Woolford - FINALIST

Occupation: Boutique Fitness Studio Owner
From: Leeds


She said: "I have no doubt that starting up during Covid made me a tougher person all round."

Dr. Paul Midha - FIRED

Occupation: Owner, Dental Group
From: Leeds


He said: "I am enthusiastic about learning from one of the UK's most successful."

Flo Edwards - FIRED

Occupation: Recruitment Consultant
From: London


She said: "My warning to the other candidates? Don't underestimate me. I'm here to win."

Tre Lowe - FIRED

Occupation: Music & Wellness Entrepreneur
From: London


He said: "I am going to change the world and create a legacy that reverberates through time."

Foluso Falade - FIRED

Occupation: Project Manager
From: Manchester


She said: "Money doesn't move me, but making a difference does."

Steve Darken - FIRED

Occupation: Management Consultant
From: London


He said: "Don't judge me by my suit and tie – I'm not just another corporate!"

Raj Chohan - FIRED

Occupation: Mortgage Broker
From: Leamington Spa


She said: "I want to be a multi-millionaire by 50!"

Maura Rath - FIRED

Occupation: Owner, Yoga Company
From: Wexford


She said: "The success of my business is measured by the joy and health it brings people."

Noor Bouziane - FIRED

Occupation: Owner, Jewellery Company
From: Liverpool


She said: "I have competitiveness in my blood. I will go to any length to win this process."

Virdi Singh Mazaria - FIRED

Occupation: Music Producer
From: Leicester


He said: "DJ. Host. MC. The other candidates are just extras on my journey to the top."

Sam Saadet - FIRED

Occupation: Pre and Post Natal Fitness Coach
From: Essex


She said: "I have a business that truly helps others."

Onyeka Nweze - FIRED

Occupation: Chartered Company Secretary
From: London


She said: "My business is going to be making 10 million within the first 5 years."

Jack Davies - FIRED

Occupation: Recruitment Director
From: Bristol


He said: "Anything I put my mind to, I succeed in."

Amina Khan - FIRED

Occupation: Pharmacist and Business Owner
From: Ilford


She said: "I am one of the hardest working women I know. There is no one else like me."

Dr Asif Munaf - FIRED

Occupation: Owner, Wellness Brand
From: Sheffield


He said: "I've got an extremely high IQ. I've got an extremely high bench press. And to top it off, I'm quite good on the eyes."

Paul Bowen - FIRED

Occupation: Director, Pie Company
From: Lancashire


He said: "I could make Lord Sugar the Lord of the Pies."

Oliver Medforth - FIRED

Occupation: Sales Executive
From: Yorkshire


He said: "I am a selling machine."

Now read:

Applications for The Apprentice series 19 are now open

The Apprentice series 18 begins tonight

The Apprentice's most successful winners to date

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.