BBC's long-standing business competition show, The Apprentice, is set to premiere its highly anticipated 19th season on Thursday, January 30. With 18 enthusiastic candidates stepping up to face the challenges posed by business mogul Lord Sugar, they all aim to secure not just his mentorship but also a lucrative investment of £250,000 to launch their ventures.
This season brings back familiar faces, including Tim Campbell MBE, who made history as the first winner of the show, and Baroness Karren Brady, both serving as Lord Sugar's trusted advisers. Campbell shared his excitement about the upcoming season and the challenges the candidates will face, particularly highlighting the infamous TV selling week, which he describes as both thrilling and intense. He stated, “I think my favourite task has to be the TV selling, know Lord Sugar loves it. A TV studio selling rugs or carpets has to be the most pressurised.”
While Tim expresses his fondness for this specific task, he also candidly addresses the harsh realities of the competition, especially the pressure to eliminate candidates right from the start. Campbell notes, “What I don't like is unfortunately someone's got to go on week one. You haven't really had time to show anything.” This harsh elimination process has become emblematic of the series, where early judgments can prove detrimental.
Baroness Karren Brady echoed similar sentiments, adding depth to the candidates' journeys. Karren mentioned the innate desire among contestants to prove themselves: “Trust me, everyone who goes on the show wants to win.” She elaborated on the various backgrounds of this year's entrepreneurial hopefuls, all driven by the ambition of becoming business partners with Lord Sugar.
Each candidate brings unique skills and distinctive business ideas to the table. Amber-Rose Badrudin, for example, started her retail venture, Oree Mart, at the young age of 25 and has plans to launch Oree Tea. Anisa Khan, owner of Bombay Pizza, hopes to expand her fusion pizza brand nationally with help from Lord Sugar. Aoibheann Walsh, another contestant from County Donegal, aims to patent innovative products for the beauty industry.
The diverse backgrounds of the candidates, which include seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, are set against the reality of competing to impress Lord Sugar. He himself has been quoted expressing high expectations from this year’s selection: “I think we find the quality of the candidates gets consistently stronger.” With experiences ranging from hospitality and tech to beauty and tutoring, the 2025 batch of contestants showcases the entrepreneurial spirit thriving across different sectors.
The competition is not only about individual success; it is also about collective efforts. This year's format has shifted from traditional male and female team structures to more mixed teams, adding spice to the dynamics and interactions among contestants. Lord Sugar posited this change, stating, “It’s interesting to see how they handle being a mixed team because it's not what they necessarily expected.”
One of the most pivotal moments this season will be the infamous Interviews Week, where the final five candidates face rigorous questioning from Lord Sugar's associates. Tensions rise as candidates must defend their business plans and demonstrate their capabilities to secure the sought-after investment.
True to its reputation, this season promises to deliver plenty of drama and learning experiences. The show is known for putting contestants through demanding challenges, including the initial task set against the picturesque backdrop of the Austrian Alps, where candidates will sell unforgettable alpine experiences. This opener promises not only excitement but also sets the tone for the rest of the season.
Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to the series as insights from previous contestants guide their viewing experience. Tim Campbell reflects on the lessons learned through both participation and now observation, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking: “It’s much easier to take the risk and fail than to not take the risk at all.”
Baroness Brady's role complements Campbell’s insights, as both understand the delicate balance between guiding the contestants and allowing them the freedom to navigate their own paths. The interplay between these established figures and the aspiring entrepreneurs marks the essence of The Apprentice.
With the start of this season fast approaching, the audience can expect engaging tasks, insightful commentary, and possibly the rise of new business leaders who may someday echo the successes of former contestants. The new series of The Apprentice kicks off on BBC One and iPlayer at 9 PM, and viewers are encouraged to tune in for what is expected to be the most demanding season yet.