Nick Hewer Leaves The Apprentice After 10 Years
He says it's "relief tinged with regret" to be leaving
Alan Sugar’s beloved sidekick, Nick Hewer, has announced he’s leaving The Apprentice after 10 years on the show.
The 70-year-old public relations consultant turned TV presenter’s last appearance on the BBC show will be the final between Mark and Bianca on Sunday night (21st December).
Breaking the news on Twitter, Nick wrote: “So farewell Apprentice - it's been 10 years of fun working on a worthwhile show but now it's time to file the notebook and throttle back. Bye.”
Lord Sugar paid tribute to his good friend and work associate, writing:
Nick has worked with Lord Sugar since way back in 1983 when he was an advisor to the Amstrad brand.
Along with Margaret Mountford, who left the show in 2009, Nick appeared on The Apprentice from its inception back in 2005.
He will continue to be the host of Channel 4’s Countdown among his various other commitments.
Nick’s full parting statement reads: "I've been pondering my departure from The Apprentice for a while and have decided that year 10 is the appropriate time.
"I've enjoyed being part of this wonderful television series for two reasons: firstly, because it's been fun and has opened up many unexpected opportunities for me, but more importantly, because I think The Apprentice is a truly valuable programme, teaching young people the basics of business - not in a classroom setting, but in a wonderfully entertaining format.
"And the winners each year validate the value of the show - talented, creative and hardworking young people, all of whom are making a great success of their businesses.
"So I leave with relief, tinged with regret. Anyone can do what Karren and I have been doing, but it takes stamina to follow the candidates week after week, and my stamina is not up to those long weeks.
"I shall continue to enjoy the show from my armchair, marvelling at the candidates' self-esteem, at the sky-high production values of the producers and at the extraordinary talent of my old friend Alan Sugar."