Apprentice star Tim Campbell's money woes and cancer diagnosis before success
Tim Campbell has been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt, becoming one of the biggest success stories of The Apprentice.
The businessman returns to screens tonight for the reality competition's latest season after he starred in the very first back in 2005 and secured himself a deal with Alan Sugar. In 2022, he had a full-circle moment as he took on the role of Alan's sidekick, taking over from Claude Littner as he dealt with medical issues.
While Tim is now a successful and wealthy figure in the world of business, this wasn't always the case. The TV star had a tough upbringing, as his family struggled to make ends meet while he says he couldn't even afford a Pot Noodle at university.
As winner of The Apprentice, Tim Campbell received a £100k a year role in Lord Sugar's business Amstrad (PA)
In a full-circle moment, he is now an advisor to candidates on the show (PA)Speaking to thisismoney.co.uk, Tim said: "It was all about the need to make ends meet. Money was scarce – my mum was a single parent with three children to look after. My dad had a record store in Hackney market, London, but he didn't want to be in our lives and made no financial contribution to our upbringing. "
The business mogul described how as a family of four, his mum would be "frugal" with their shopping, only buying from supermarkets featuring discounted deals so they had enough to pay household bills. When Tim landed a place at university to study psychology, he was the first person in the family to attend higher education.
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Not wanting to further burden his family, he said: "I didn't want to put any pressure on Mum because I knew she didn't have the money to help me. At one point, I couldn't even afford a Pot Noodle."
Alongside his studies, he picked up a part-time job at Transport for London, which he has described as a "great motivator" for working hard. He went on to join the 2005 series of The Apprentice, where he became the first winner of the hit show and joined Lord Sugar's AMSTRAD company on a £100,000 salary as a project director.
After just two years, Tim left and founded the Bright Ideas Trust, a charity which helps young people to set up their own businesses. No longer struggling to make ends meet, Tim described his biggest spend: "A white Mercedes-AMG GLE, three years ago. It cost more than £50,000. I still have it and I love driving it. I'm also partial to nice watches which cost a few thousand pounds – and I love a well-made suit."
Tim describes his wife Jasmine as his 'angel' (j4zzyc/Instagram)And in 2012, Tim was recognised for his business accolades and services to charity in the New Year's Honours List for Services to Enterprise Culture. Using his experience and expertise, Tim returned to The Apprentice as an advisor to Lord Sugar in 2022 when Claude Littner was forced to take time out due to a bike accident. And last year, he returned whilst Claude appeared for two episodes.
Away from business, Tim has a tight family unit as a father of two and is married to wife Jasmine, whom he often gushes over on social media. In one post, he wrote: "When your kids catch you crushing on your wife… I hope they aspire for what they see". Although her account is private, a comment from the mum in response to one of his photos says: "All day everyday! Love you. Blessed to be showered with your love and that of our Kayla and Aaron too".
In September 2023, in what appeared to be an anniversary post, Tim shared a montage of moments from his marriage, and captioned it with a moving message. "When I'm asked why I'm always smiling... it's because of the beautiful and gracious woman I've always been proud to stand with. I love you, Angel.
"The last couple of weeks have been tough but we've come through and had some of the deepest most heartwarming conversations as we continue to grow together and embrace the individuals we are. Marriage doesn't stop when you say I do… Our marriage has allowed us to bring all the elements of who we are along for the ride and for them to be accepted, adapted and or amplified.
"We’re far from perfect but there’s no one I’d rather escape from the madness with… Here’s to all the happy relationship folk around us and wishing happiness and joy for those who haven’t found their soulmate yet." Meanwhile, Tim has been open about donating a significant sum of his earnings to charity, following his own terrifying cancer diagnosis.
He explained: "I think it is important that if you are blessed you share those blessings with others. I suffered from testicular cancer years ago, so I saw the proverbial lights flash before my eyes. My biggest concern as I get older is prostate cancer. One in eight men get it and the odds are higher for black men: one in four. So I donate to Prostate Cancer UK, along with other health and education charities."
The Apprentice airs tonight on BBC One at 9pm
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