The Apprentice Returns with 20 New Contestants for 20th Series

The acclaimed reality series, The Apprentice, is set to return for its 20th series on January 29, 2024, featuring a fresh line-up of 20 ambitious candidates. These contestants will compete for a chance to secure a £250,000 investment from the show’s iconic host, Lord Sugar. Supported by his trusted advisers, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell, the contestants will face a series of challenges across 12 episodes, with the potential for multiple eliminations in a single episode.

In a bold move to commemorate this milestone season, the competition kicks off with a dramatic twist. The first challenge takes place abroad in Hong Kong, a location chosen to surprise the participants. Lord Sugar expressed his excitement about this decision, stating, “The thinking behind it was it’s the 20th series, and what can we do that’s different? So I thought, ‘Well, why don’t I jump on a plane and surprise them in Hong Kong?'”

This new format introduces an element of surprise, as the contestants will not only be navigating the challenges of the competition but also adjusting to an unexpected encounter with Lord Sugar in a foreign setting. He added, “They knew they were going to Hong Kong, which is fine… But I’ve never turned up. So all of a sudden they come into this boardroom and there I am.”

The series promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, as Lord Sugar hinted at the possibility of “double or even triple sackings” throughout the season. With a mix of excitement and uncertainty, the contestants will strive to showcase their business acumen while hoping to avoid the dreaded phrase, “you’re fired.”

Fans can catch the new episodes on BBC One and iPlayer, as the show continues to entertain and challenge aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. The return of The Apprentice not only marks two decades of the series but also sets the stage for a fresh wave of talent vying for recognition and investment.