Lord Alan Sugar reveals the thing he 'regrets' about The Apprentice
The Apprentice is now in its 18th series
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 £250,000 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