Inspired by the American original hosted by Donald Trump before he entered politics, The Apprentice first reached British television screens in 2005.
British business magnate Alan Sugar (now Lord Sugar) has helmed the programme since the start, originally offering the winner a job with a six-figure salary. In later series he has investing £250,000 in the successful candidate’s business plan.
It started life on BBC Two but quickly moved to BBC One after pulling in impressive viewing figures.
This year’s series kicks off on Thursday, January 30, with 18 candidates hoping to be the last entrepreneur standing – joining this prestigious roll call of previous Apprentice winners.
5. Yasmina Siadatan
Another winning candidate to work for Lord Sugar’s healthcare company Amscreen, Yasmina Siadatan quit the year after to start a family. She then set up her own start-up loans company. Photo: BBC
6. Stella English
2010 winner Stella English was the last candidate to be rewarded with a job working for Lord Sugar. She ended up resigning from her role and unsuccessfully sued him for constructive dismissal. Photo: BBC
7. Tom Pellereau
Inventor Tom Pellereau Pelleareau was the winner of season 8 of The Apprentice, and the first to win a £250,000 investment in his business. His idea was a curved nail file called Stylfile, the first product of many sold by his company Stylideas. Photo: BBC
8. Ricky Martin
Charismatic candidate Ricky Martin Martin was The Apprentice winner in 2011. He landed a £250,000 investment in his science recruitment agency Hyper Recruitment Solutions. Photo: BBC