The festive spirit was in short supply on the set of The Celebrity Apprentice's 2025 Christmas special, as the charity competition descended into bitter infighting, with one contestant emerging as the show's self-proclaimed 'villain'.
Festive Feud Erupts for Charity
The long-running BBC show is returning for a star-studded two-part special, airing on Monday and Tuesday night, which for the first time will raise money for Children in Need. The celebrities were divided into two teams and flown to Lapland with the task of marketing their own brand of gingerbread biscuits, all vying to impress Lord Alan Sugar and win a cash prize for charity.
One team features presenter AJ Odudu, TV judge Rob Rinder, EastEnders star Jake Wood, comedian Eddie Kadi, Radio 1 host Charlie Hedges, and athlete Kadeena Cox. Their rivals are a group comprising presenter Angela Scanlon, JLS star JB Gill, Gladiators star Matt Morsia, Bond actress Sarah Hadland, comedian Shazia Mirza, and former Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner.
Eddie Kadi Embraces the 'Villain' Role
Despite the charitable aim, the competition turned cut-throat. Speaking to The Sun, 42-year-old comedian Eddie Kadi openly admitted to his ruthless tactics. "Like a dagger through the heart, we turned on each other and it was everyone for themselves," he revealed. "I made it clear I was going to throw everyone under the bus. That’s what I did."
Kadi explained that the intense atmosphere led to his transformation into the episode's antagonist, stating, "A villain was created, I was so out of control. The banter was insane." He also commented on teammate Matt Morsia's struggle, saying, "Matt was fighting his way through Lord Sugar, he barely survived what was going down."
Meanwhile, Sarah Hadland, known for her role in Quantum of Solace, confessed her team felt dejected after receiving a stern critique from Lord Sugar for their performance during the task.
Thomas Skinner's Controversial Return
The special also marks a swift and contentious return to the BBC for Thomas Skinner. The 34-year-old pillow company owner, who first appeared on The Apprentice in 2019, was recently at the centre of a scandal during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
After publicly admitting to an affair, Skinner faced a hostile reception from viewers and was the first contestant eliminated from the 2025 season alongside pro dancer Amy Dowden. He subsequently accused the show of being rigged, failed to attend the final, and last week suggested he might sue the BBC, claiming an anonymous email indicated he had received more votes than shown.
The BBC has firmly rejected these claims, stating Strictly's vote is "independently overseen and verified" and that suggestions to the contrary are "entirely without foundation."
The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas special 2025 promises to deliver high drama alongside its charitable mission, proving that even for a good cause, the boardroom battles are as fierce as ever.
