After almost 20 years on our screens, the latest season of returns this week.
First launching in 2005, the reality game show follows a group of businesspeople competing in set by British business magnate .
By his side are and , who watch over the candidates as they undertake these tasks, before .
This season for the £250,000 investment and the chance to be mentored by the businessman.
Those who have signed up include a failed Dragons’ Den star, two pie experts, a 00s one-hit wonder and a body popper who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.
However, , season 18 has undergone some changes, but the first challenge becomes chaotic as it is labelled one of the ‘worst disasters’ in the history of the show.
For those ready to strap in for another season, here’s everything you need to know.
When does The Apprentice 2024 start?
The newest season of The Apprentice launches today (Thursday, February 1, 2024) at 9pm.
You can catch it on BBC One then, with episodes available to stream after they have aired on BBC iPlayer.
Who are the judges on The Apprentice?
Lord Alan Sugar is back again this season and is joined by Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE, who was The Apprentice’s first UK winner.
In a , Lord Sugar spilled when asked if he had any regrets or had anything he would have done differently in hindsight on The Apprentice.
‘The regrets were effectively after series seven, that the giving a person a job was not working out too well,’ he revealed.
‘That’s when I said I can’t do that anymore, it’s causing too much embarrassment amongst my workers and I want to change the format to going into business with somebody.
‘And from then on, it’s taken off like a rocket.’
Despite the success of The Apprentice, and previously saying he wanted to hit 20 seasons, Lord Sugar admitted that the future of the show isn’t necessarily set in stone.
Although he said a 19th season was definitely on the cards, a 20th wasn’t guaranteed just yet.
‘I think there will be a 20th series, no question of it, although I can’t promise it. It’ll have to be announced by the BBC,’ he added.
What we know about The Apprentice’s new series so far
There will be 18 candidates taking part this time around, as they hustle to try and secure a coveted business partnership with Lord Sugar.
The winner of the show will receive a likely life changing £250,000 investment in their own business from the show’s boss.
The first challenge saw the men’s and the women’s teams as they set about arranging corporate away days for two companies in the Scottish Highlands.
While one half of each team took their guests on adventurous activities, which included jumping into a slippery gorge and abseiling down a cliff – the other half busied themselves in the kitchens cooking up lunches for them to eat when they returned.
However, as viewers will see tonight, meant for their desserts, instead of breadcrumbs, leaving the team left to decide if they would still serve them to guests.
Who are The Apprentice candidates?
The candidates this year range from a yoga company owner to a pie company director and a music producer.
Full list of The Apprentice 2024 candidates
Here’s who you’ll be watching in the coming weeks:
Amina Khan– Pharmacist & business owner, 32
Dr. Asif Munaf– Wellness brand owner, 34
Flo Edwards– Recruitment consultant, 29
Foluso Falade– Project manager, 25
Jack Davies– Recruitment director, 29
Maura Rath– Yoga company owner, 32
Noor Bouziane– Jewellery company owner, 22
Oliver Medforth– Alcohol sales executive, 27
Onyeka Nweze– Chartered company secretary, 25
Paul Bowen– Pie company director, 34
Dr. Paul Midha– Dental practice owner, 29
Phil Turner– Pie company owner, 37
Rachel Woolford– Boutique fitness studio owner, 27
Raj Chohan– Mortgage broker, 41
Sam Saadet– Perinatal fitness coach, 33
Steve Darken– Management consultant, 37
Tre Lowe– Musician & wellness entrepreneur, 48
Virdi Singh Mazaria– Music producer, 24
The Apprentice returns tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
