Lord Alan Sugar said The Apprentice was “back with a big bang” as the candidates jetted off to Antigua for the first episode following the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions before they filmed the series.
The 17th series of the BBC reality show featured 18 new candidates all competing to win a life-changing investment of £250,000 from Lord Sugar. The candidates were thrown into the deep end as the series kicks off with a trip to the Caribbean, where they will be tasked with creating and selling excursions to tourists.
Lord Sugar told the PA news agency before the series began: “Last year we were restricted by Covid in what we could do and what we couldn’t do because of the health warnings. So this year, we decided… let’s come back with a big bang.
“So I said: ‘Let’s go somewhere great to really kick off well.’ You should see the the candidates’ faces when I said to them: ‘Right your first task you’re going to Antigua’, that’s wonderful. Also for the audience it will be a great kick-off for the process.”
Here are the candidates who battled to win Lord Alan Sugar’s £250,000 business investment. The Apprentice to aired from Thursday January 5 on BBC One and iPlayer.
Additional reporting by PA
17. Mark Moseley
The London-based pest control company owner is a former soldier and believes his experience navigating hostile environments around the world has equipped him to handle the boardroom. Moseley said: “I’m very talkative with the charm to match… I can sell to anyone.” Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC
18. Kevin D'Arcy
The accountant from Dublin started his water sports equipment business during lockdown while working in financial services and is looking to Lord Sugar to help him expand into the UK. He said: “It’s gone from strength to strength in Ireland and is now stocked in some of the country’s biggest stores. With Lord Sugar as my business partner, I know we can ride that wave into the UK and beyond.” Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC
19. Shazia Hussain
Technology recruiter Hussain, from London, said her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder means she can process information “faster than others” and her reaction time is “quicker”. She added: “It’s important to see a varied representation of women, including women with neurodiversity in business… I hope that I’ll encourage more people like me not to be ashamed of their difference.” Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC