Sir Alan Sugar mentor on 'The Apprentice'

'The Apprentice' series five launched

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

Sir Alan Sugar launched the fifth series of BBC business reality show 'The Apprentice' yesterday (17.03.09).

Speaking at the launch of the show, Sir Alan said it is more relevant than ever in the current troubled economic climate.

Click here to see the latest Apprentice photos >

He said: "I think you'll find as we go through the series, you'll see some shows that are specifically tuned towards recognition of the difficult times.

"It's not a case of us experimenting now, the person that comes on board in the end is actually going to have to do some work."

The show was to see sixteen contestants battle it out over 12 weeks to win a single position within Sir Alan's business empire, which comes with a six figure salary.

However, one of the original apprentices walked out the night before filming began - citing pressures of the show and not wanting to be apart from his family.

The remaining contestants - eight women and seven men - include an ex-club bouncer, a stockbroker, a lawyer, an ex-professional footballer, a New Yorker and a Tanzanian beauty queen.

Sir Alan promised the show's weekly tasks will throw up some surprises for the contestants, as well as plenty of hard work.

The first week will see contestants split into two teams who have to set up rival cleaning companies, while another week will see them "re-invent an ramshackle old seaside town," when sent to Margate. Also, instead of a foreign trip this series, contestants will find themselves in Liverpool and Manchester.

Sir Alan told how he warns apprentices against making stupid mistakes, but some still run into errors by panicking during tasks.

He continued: "There can be an air of panic to them. I think it's the time constraint given to them, and they've got to get things done in that time and they panic and make mistakes. And there are some who are happy to sit back and watch the others do that and fall on their sword."

'The Apprentice' will start on BBC1 next Wednesday (25.03.09).

For the latest Apprentice news click here >

(C) BANG Media International