Billionaire Lord Sugar has confirmed that he has signed a further three-year deal with the BBC, ensuring he will remain at the helm of The Apprentice into his 80s. In a recent BBC interview, the 77-year-old entrepreneur, already contracted for the 20th series, reflects on the rich legacy of the popular reality series. With an investment of £250,000 into the winner's business in return for a 50 percent stake, Sugar expressed that criticism of The Apprentice now rolls off him like water off a duck's back.
“Listen, when I took the job on The Apprentice, I was already a multi-millionaire,” Sugar stated. “I didn't do it for the money.” This candid revelation reflects his deep commitment to the show, which has evolved significantly since its inception in 2005.
During the interview, Sugar shared insights from his extensive career, asserting that the on-screen persona he portrays is an authentic representation of himself. “That is me mate, I'm promising you,” he insisted. “I have sat on the production line, I've made stuff, I've packed boxes, I've loaded lorries, I've delivered, I've collected money. Every single facet of business, I have done all of it.”
Lord Sugar's journey is a true rags-to-riches narrative, beginning with humble origins selling car aerials from a van in Hackney. He famously launched his electronics and technology company, Amstrad, in 1968, producing home computers and satellite dishes for Sky.
Recent estimations by the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List place Sugar's net worth at £1.082 billion, ranking him as the 159th richest person in the UK.
Meanwhile, contestants on The Apprentice share their own inspiring stories on the path to success. Melica Moshiri, one of the candidates, opened up about her traumatic childhood experience that left her mute for several years following a vicious dog attack at the age of two. “At home my family would speak a mixture of English and Farsi, which may have been a contributing factor,” Melica explained. Her traumatic experience rendered her unable to speak until she was almost 12, but with the help of supportive teachers and an educational health and care plan, she regained her voice.
Currently, at the age of 32, Melica is one of 14 remaining candidates vying for a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar for her AI tech recruitment company, SkillTorch Ltd. Her resilience serves as a poignant reminder that personal triumphs often accompany professional aspirations.
Since its launch, The Apprentice has transformed the landscape of reality television in the UK, with the format changing in 2011 to award the winner a £250,000 investment partnership instead of a job. While many winners have enjoyed lasting partnerships with Sugar, others have parted ways after varying periods.
Notable past winners include Tim Campbell, the first winner, who secured a £100,000 job at Sugar's company Amstrad before leaving to start his own perfume business. After returning to the show in 2022 as one of Sugar's aides, he remains a familiar face within the series. Lee McQueen, who won in 2008, left his position at Amscreen after two years, while Yasmina Siadatan, another winner, worked for a year before choosing not to return after her maternity leave.
Further illustrating the dynamic relationships formed on the show, Stella English, who won in 2010, walked out of her role after 13 months, expressing discontent over her contract renewal. In contrast, Mark Wright, the 2014 winner, utilized his investment to build his successful digital marketing agency, Climb Online, before parting ways with Sugar in 2022, cashing in by selling the business for an estimated £10 million.
Joseph Valente, who won in 2015, ended his working relationship with Sugar after 18 months, and Alana Spencer, the 2016 champion, eventually bought out Sugar to take full control of her successful cake business.
The evolution of The Apprentice over the years has undeniably impacted the careers of many aspiring entrepreneurs who have crossed Sugar’s path. Each of them carries their own unique stories of triumphs and tribulations in their quests for business success.
As the series continues, many eyes will be on Melica and her innovative approach in artificial intelligence recruitment. With strong competitors remaining, the stakes are high for all contestants. With Lord Sugar’s mentorship and the enduring popularity of the show, it remains to be seen how these emerging entrepreneurs will shape the future of business in the UK.
