The cut-throat boardroom is getting a festive makeover as The Celebrity Apprentice is set to return to BBC One this Christmas. In a special two-part series, a dozen famous faces will battle it out in a unique business challenge, all in aid of Children in Need.
A Festive Fight for Charity
While the competition is for a good cause, Lord Alan Sugar has confirmed the celebrities were far from gentle. Led by stars including presenter AJ Odudu, Gladiators' Matt Morsia, actress Sarah Hadland, and former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner, the 12 participants were split into two teams. Their mission? To create, brand, and sell their own gingerbread biscuit.
In a spectacular festive twist, the teams were dispatched to Lapland to develop their product, film a promotional advert, and even compose a jingle. Overseeing the process were Lord Sugar's trusted aides, Baroness Karren Brady and Mike Soutar.
Speaking ahead of the show, Lord Sugar revealed that despite the lack of a £250,000 investment prize, the stars displayed the same fierce competitiveness as civilian contestants. "They have the same hunger to win and the same desire to win," he stated, attributing it to personal pride.
Star Power and Secret Weapons
The celebrity line-up was divided into two formidable teams. The first group featured AJ Odudu, Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi, EastEnders star Jake Wood, Paralympian Kadeena Cox, and barrister-presenter Rob Rinder.
Their rivals consisted of presenter Angela Scanlon, JLS star JB Gill, Gladiator Matt Morsia, actress Sarah Hadland, Apprentice alumni Thomas Skinner, and comedian Shazia Mirza.
Baroness Brady hinted that the celebrities weren't afraid to leverage their famous connections, resulting in a host of surprise cameos. Names like Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Robbie Williams, Rylan, and Gary Lineker are all set to appear, drawn by their love for the show and the charity.
A Tasty Legacy for Children in Need
In a historic first for the series, the gingerbread biscuits created by the teams will be available for purchase in stores, with all proceeds supporting Children in Need. This tangible outcome adds real stakes to the televised challenge.
Baroness Brady praised the contestants' energy and commitment, noting they were determined to raise both money and the profile of the cause. Lord Sugar expressed his admiration for the celebrities' ability to attract such high-profile friends to support them, calling it "great" and thanking the cameo stars for their charity.
The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas specials will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday 29th December and Tuesday 30th December at 9pm. Viewers can expect a blend of festive fun, ruthless business tactics, and star-studded surprises, all for an excellent cause.
