It’s nearly time for BBC viewers to witness a fresh group of ambitious entrepreneurs eager to bag an investment on The Apprentice.
A new crop of hopefuls will undertake a raft of tasks and challenges, all to show that they’ve got what it takes to become Lord Alan Sugar’s next protege.
Last season, the audience saw fitness studio owner Rachel Woolford nab a hefty £250,000 investment, and now its almost time to find out who will follow in her victorious strides.
Before the show hits screens, expected to premiere on BBC One in February, the broadcaster has tempted fans with a sneak peek of this years proceedings.
A voice-over declares over an array of clips: “This time, the most demanding season yet. The Apprentice, coming soon on BBC One and iPlayer.”
The footage reveals Karen Brady, notepad at the ready, sporting an impressed expression. Following that is Tim Campbell, looking wide-eyed and clearly dismayed by a gaffe from one of the candidates, reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, Lord Sugar is unyielding as ever as he’s shown laying into a contestant in the boardroom. He reels: “This was a disaster. You’re fired.”
Though the exact launch date remains under wraps, the teaser has whipped up excitement among fans who’ve been swift to react to the clip, which even Lord Sugar himself tweeted out.
One viewer exclaimed: “Yes, yes, it’s gonna be good. I’m glad the apprentice is back.” While another enthused, “I can’t wait!”
Someone else posted enthusiastically: “YAYYAYAY I’M SO EXCITED.” Another fan expressed their anticipation: “Absolutely fantastic. I can’t wait Lord Sugar, this is one of the few gems of the BBC that I do enjoy so much, bring it on..”
An elated viewer remarked: “Can’t wait at last something to watch on TV” While another declared: “I love this show. Proper entertainment. Excellent.”
The BBC has announced that the series will commence in the Austrian Alps, with the 18 candidates’ first task being to sell tour packages.
The series synopsis states: “For the candidates who survive the first boardroom with Lord Sugar, an array of challenging tasks lie ahead. Across the series, they will be creating a virtual popstar, turning a ton of potatoes and tomatoes into cash, designing and marketing Easter Eggs, jetting off to Turkey for a corporate hospitality challenge, and taking on the classic discount buying task in historic Stratford-upon-Avon.”
“And not forgetting Interviews Week, when the final five will face the grilling of a lifetime from some of Lord Sugar’s trusted business associates.”
The Apprentice episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.