The highly anticipated 19th season of the BBC's acclaimed business competition 'The Apprentice' premiered on January 30, 2025, drawing eager viewers as they awaited to see which of the 18 energetic candidates would catch the eye of the notoriously discerning Lord Alan Sugar.
This year’s contestants, which include food entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and fashion moguls, vie for the ultimate prize: Lord Sugar's coveted £250,000 investment and guidance to propel their business ideas to success. The opening episode aired at 9 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and the business-minded hopefuls are set to showcase their skills over the course of 12 weeks, competing against one another through various business-related challenges.
One of the standout contestants is Melica Morshiri, who owns a tech recruitment firm focusing on artificial intelligence. An aspiring business partner for Lord Sugar, she described him as “a very nice guy” and said, “Lord Sugar is exactly how you see him on TV. I feel absolutely privileged to have met him and been under his guidance.” Morshiri was encouraged to apply for 'The Apprentice' by her cousin after seeing the advertisement during her television time, and she jumped at the opportunity, stating, “I've always been entrepreneurial and driven.”
Among the other contenders are Amber-Rose Badrudin, who runs the successful Oree Mart convenience store, and Anisa Khan, who operates a pizzeria specializing in Indian-Italian fusion foods. Badrudin has cultivated 470,000 organic social media followers and gained traction with her latest venture, “Oree Tea,” focusing on authentic bubble tea. Khan prides herself on being a “go-getter” aiming to expand her enterprise with more delivery kitchens.
The contestants comprise a diverse array of talents. For example, Aoibheann Walsh taps her creative side from her successful hair and beauty salon founded at just 24, boasting accolades for product innovation with her unique patented utility belt. Then there's Carlo Brancati, who offers hair transplant advice and plans to connect patients with reputable clinics through his digital platform.
Chisola Chitambala, formerly working as a virtual assistant, hopes to launch her own service to streamline connections between entrepreneurs and investors, aiming to revolutionize traditional funding methods. She stated, “One of the key things I hope to prove to myself is my ability to consistently step outside my comfort zone.”
Dean Franklin, owner of an air conditioning venture, shares Lord Sugar’s passion for science and electronics and describes himself as “very similar” to the business mogul. Emma Rothwell transitioned her side project, which began during the pandemic, to a flourishing online gift store aiming for growth. Meanwhile, Emma Street is exploring opportunities within the health and fitness market by marketing healthy takeaway coffee.
Among the other aspiring entrepreneurs are motivational speaker Frederick Afrifa, who aims to support professionals with speaking confidence, and Dr. Jana Denzel promoting his top-end cosmetic dentistry practice with plans to expand nationally. Jonny Heaver hopes to prove compassion can coexist with business success through his tutoring venture.
This season also welcomes Jordan Dargan, the youngest contestant at 22, who created animation work from the ground up. Keir Shave, who launched his telemarketing business shortly after his previous employer collapsed, is focused on enhancing sales conversations with innovative tech solutions.
Liam Snellin, recognized for his stylish yet comfortable workwear line, and Max England, aiming to blend his love for sports and business through indoor Padel hubs, complete the entrepreneurial lineup. Lastly, Nadia Suliaman plans to launch luxury accessories alongside her high-traffic salon business.
The stage is set for intense competition and creative business proposals, as these entrepreneurs bring their visions to life. Lying beneath the surface excitement are the stakes—personal and financial—each contestant bringing their unique strengths to the boardroom, hoping to secure Lord Sugar’s mentorship.
With the clock ticking, the contestants are prepared to tackle diverse tasks. The first challenge will determine who gets to stay and who faces elimination, as each week will see one candidate sent home until the last one remains. With so much at stake, viewers can expect sharp negotiations, innovative pitches, and heart-pounding results.
Fans of 'The Apprentice' are sure to be captivated by this season, as they watch both the triumphs and trials of these aspiring business moguls, eager to see who will earn Lord Sugar's approval and investment. The next few weeks are bound to be filled with riveting business dilemmas and exceptional creativity as the competitors lay it all on the line.