First broadcast in the UK in February 2005, following the success of the American version featuring a certain Donald J. Trump, The Apprentice is one of the BBC’s most successful shows.
Originally aired on BBC 2 it soon made the transition to BBC One, as viewers became hooked on the tasks set by Amstrad founder Alan (now Lord) Sugar.
Now it’s nearly time for season 19 of the show, with the first episode set to drop on BBC One at 9pm on Thursday, January 30, becoming available on the BBC iPlayer shortly afterwards.
It will see the candidates hit the slopes, kicking off the series in the Austrian Alps tasked with selling tour packages - the first of many challenges set as part of ‘the ultimate job interview’.
The winner will receive a £250,000 investment in their business idea, along with mentorship from Lord Sugar himself.
But what are the asking Lord Sugar to stump up the money for? Here are all 18 candidates - and their all-important business plans.
9. Frederick Afrifa
To expand my communication skills company with the purpose to help more professionals and entrepreneurs with their confidence when speaking. | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston
10. Dr. Jana Denzel
My business plan is clear: scale up into a national force in the dental industry, offering exceptional care and innovative products. We currently offer general and cosmetic dentistry services, and we’ve recently launched our own oral healthcare product line, starting with a premium teeth-whitening kit. | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston
11. Jonny Heaver
My business plan is to scale my business by expanding into targeted locations across the country and appointing regional directors with local knowledge to oversee them. Many large tutoring companies are based in London and grow online, which results in an impersonal service with tutors who have no local knowledge. As a business whose only asset is people, Lord Sugar's investment would be used for targeted marketing and training. | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston
12. Jordan Dargan
I want to turn my one-man band into an orchestra of the world’s most talented 3D artists to take my business to the next level. | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston