Baroness Karren Brady made a striking return to television screens this week, showcasing a dramatic physical transformation that captured almost as much attention as the business challenges unfolding on screen. The premiere episode of the twentieth series of The Apprentice marked not only the beginning of another high-stakes competition but also served as a platform for the business advisor's remarkable weight loss journey.
A New Look for a Milestone Series
The popular BBC programme returned on Thursday evening with a fresh cohort of ambitious candidates vying to become Lord Alan Sugar's next business partner. However, as the contestants embarked on their first task in Hong Kong, viewers couldn't help but notice the significant change in appearance of one of the show's most familiar faces. Baroness Brady, 56, appeared in a delicate white lace dress that accentuated her noticeably slimmer waistline and revealed facial features that appeared dramatically different from previous series.
Addressing the Speculation Head-On
The House of Lords member has recently faced persistent speculation about the methods behind her body transformation, with many suggesting she might have turned to weight loss injections like Ozempic. In a candid interview with The Sun last week, Brady firmly denied these claims, insisting her results came from traditional methods rather than pharmaceutical assistance.
"I'm not on Ozempic, but questions about women's weight come up far more often than they should," she stated emphatically. "I'd much prefer the conversation to be focused around my work."
The businesswoman expressed frustration with what she perceives as disproportionate scrutiny of female bodies in the public eye, suggesting such discussions often aim to undermine women's confidence. "I think the way people talk about women's bodies is certainly an effort to belittle them or make them feel insecure," she remarked, drawing from her own experiences of being criticized for both weight gain and loss throughout her career.
The "Old Fashioned" Approach to Fitness
Baroness Brady attributes her transformation to what she describes as "the old fashioned way" – a combination of controlled eating habits and regular physical exercise. As vice chairman of West Ham United and a working peer in the House of Lords, she maintains an exceptionally busy schedule but has prioritised fitness within her demanding lifestyle.
"You have to find the time to go, particularly as you get older," she explained regarding her gym routine. "I have a very set routine that I do, but it's mainly cardiovascular and weights, and I don't mind the odd swim."
The mother-of-two manages to exercise three to four times weekly despite her professional commitments, fitting sessions around parliamentary voting obligations and business responsibilities. She revealed that Lord Sugar has become something of a health-conscious companion, with both maintaining active lifestyles that complement their television partnership.
Grandmotherhood as Motivation
Baroness Brady identified a deeply personal catalyst for her renewed focus on health – becoming a grandmother. Her daughter, Sophia Peschisolido, welcomed two sons within the past two years, and this new family role inspired the businesswoman to prioritise her wellbeing.
"I have been on a health kick, I became a grandma, and I wanted to be a fit, healthy grandma," she shared. "So I started eating healthy and exercising."
While acknowledging the challenge of maintaining weight loss, Brady emphasised her commitment to sustainable methods rather than quick fixes. "I haven't joined [the Ozempic Club] - bloody hard work. It is okay losing it, it is keeping it off," she noted with characteristic bluntness.
The businesswoman admits she doesn't track her progress through scales but rather through how she feels and how her clothes fit. "I feel better for it. It is good because everything you put on fits," she observed, highlighting the practical benefits of her transformation alongside the health advantages.
A Pattern of Preparation
This isn't the first time Baroness Brady has adjusted her physique for television appearances. She previously disclosed that she typically loses approximately five kilograms before each series launch of The Apprentice, partly to ensure she appears proportionate alongside Lord Sugar on screen.
"So I look my normal weight and I don't look huge next to Alan [Sugar] as he's so fit and healthy," she explained in earlier comments, revealing the considerations that go into her television presentation beyond business acumen alone.
As The Apprentice continues its twentieth series run, Baroness Brady's physical transformation serves as a secondary narrative to the business challenges, yet one that has sparked significant public discussion about body image, health approaches, and the scrutiny faced by women in prominent positions.
