30 December 2023 , 15:51
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Lord Alan Sugar is poised to sign a six-figure contract to remain the star of The Apprentice until 2026. The huge deal would mark a momentous 20th series for the business magnate, who has been sinking the hopes of dozens of wannabe tycoons with the dreaded words “You’re fired!” since 2005.
TV execs are already on the lookout for fresh recruits for a special anniversary series. A source said: “ BBC producers have huge plans for The Apprentice’s 20th anniversary. It might be two years away but they’re aren’t prepared to take any risks and will be putting in a big-money offer he can’t refuse.”
Lord Sugar’s spokesman, Andrew Bloch, confirmed he would “gladly accept” when offered the deal. The Hackney-born peer, one of the UK’s 177 billionaires, rose to fame as the founder of electronics company Amstrad before becoming the chairman and part-owner of Tottenham Hotspur in 1991.
He joined The Apprentice as its head judge nearly 19 years ago and has been assisted by boardroom aides Margaret Mountford, Karren Brady, Nick Hewer, Claude Littner and Tim Campbell, who won the first series. The new season, released early in 2024, will see 18 candidates vying to win a £250,000 investment in their business idea and a 50/50 partnership with Lord Sugar.