Former winners and finalists of BBC's The Apprentice have lifted the lid on the show's inner workings, including manipulated endings and carefully crafted editing. Simon Ambrose, winner of series three, admitted he deliberately played the fool to be underestimated by competitors, memorising details about Lord Sugar's businesses in secret. He also described Katie Hopkins as 'reptilian', noting she used the show as a stepping stone to media fame.
Tom Pellereau, winner of series seven, revealed that The Apprentice records two endings — one for each finalist — so even contestants don't know who won until a week before broadcast. He recalled his devastation when host Lord Sugar initially announced rival Helen Milligan as the winner, only to reveal it was a trick. Pellereau, now a successful inventor with a £5m turnover company, still gets shouted at in the street for his 'Emergency Biscuit' and 'MyPy' ideas from the show.
Ruth Badger, a finalist in series two, said her reputation for being 'pushy' on the show still haunts her. She struggles to find suppliers for her daughter's birthday parties because business owners recognise her name. Despite the challenges, Badger said she has 'nothing but fond memories' of the programme, describing it as 'gritty' in its early days. The contestants also noted the intense filming schedule, with 5am starts, late finishes, and monitored phone calls.
Ambrose, who worked for Lord Sugar's property fund for three years after winning, confirmed the job was real but tense, as long-term employees resented his high salary. He eventually left to work for himself. Pellereau remains business partners with Lord Sugar, who owns 50% of his company, and admitted he is 'still scared of him' during board meetings.
