The high-stakes reality show, The Apprentice, is back for its 19th series, and it's capturing attention with a gripping contest among 18 hopefuls all vying for a coveted £250,000 investment from none other than Lord Alan Sugar. Returning judges Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE are alongside Lord Sugar, challenging the budding entrepreneurs with their keen insights and expert evaluations. The candidates are subjected to a series of tasks that are as diverse as they are demanding, pushing their creativity and business acumen to the brink.
Year 2025 marked the kickoff of this thrilling series on January 30, paving the way for challenging business endeavors and jaw-dropping assignments. The journey began with an exhilarating Alpine tour task set against the stunning backdrop of Austria. This was just the beginning, setting the stage for further challenges that included converting crops to cash and creating virtual pop stars, testing the candidates' abilities to innovate and execute under pressure.
The Challenges They Face
The show isn't just about creative challenges; it gets down to the nitty-gritty of business operations. One particularly memorable challenge this season involved designing unique Easter egg concepts, requiring teams to blend creativity with market viability. Another notable task saw candidates engaging in a corporate hospitality test in Turkey, which demanded not only business savvy but also cultural sensitivity.
Throughout these trials, filming switched from the bustling streets of London and the historic charm of Stratford-upon-Avon to the vibrant scenes of Turkey. As tasks ranged from simple discount buying to the nerve-wracking finale on a TV shopping channel, only the smartest and most adaptable could hope to stay in the game.
The Elimination Drama
Every week, eliminations tightened the competition further. Initial eliminations saw Emma Rothwell and Aoibheann Walsh showing the door in the first two weeks. By Week 5, the pressure proved too intense for Dr. Jana Denzel, leading to a withdrawal. As the weeks went on, more candidates faced the firing line, with memorable exits including Max England in the ninth week. Remaining resilient through these eliminations are Dean Franklin, Amber-Rose Badrudin, Anisa Khan, Chisola Chitambala, Jordan Dargan, Liam Snellin, and Mia Collins—each dreaming of securing that life-changing investment from Lord Sugar himself.
Even as this season unfolds with intense competition, future hopes are already being pinned on the next generation of applicants, with submissions for Series 20 ending in February 2025. Set to air in 2026, it promises another wave of ambitious personalities ready to dive into the cutthroat world of entrepreneurship and challenge themselves to impress the business magnate.
Airing on BBC One and available on BBC iPlayer, fans can catch new episodes while also revisiting past seasons to savor the drama and lessons from one of the most scrutinized business battlegrounds on television.
April 4 2025 0
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