Lord Alan Sugar has expressed astonishment that two decades have passed since he first launched ambitious business candidates into the iconic boardroom of BBC One's The Apprentice.
A Milestone Achievement for British Television
The hit business reality series returns to celebrate its 20th anniversary, a feat that even its star, the 78-year-old tycoon, finds remarkable. On the show, contenders battle through a series of commercial tasks set by Lord Sugar to win a chance to become his 50/50 business partner, backed by a £250,000 investment.
Assisting him are his long-standing aides, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE, the latter having won the very first series back in 2005. Lord Sugar confessed that for many, the show will be his defining legacy, overshadowing the earlier business success that made him millions through companies like Amstrad, founded in 1968.
Evolving with the Times
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lord Sugar highlighted the show's enduring appeal to new generations. "I think the programme itself brings in a new audience every year," he said, noting that original young viewers are now adults, replaced by a fresh cohort. He credits this sustained popularity for the BBC's continued commitment to the format.
The show's prize has evolved from a £100,000-a-year job in Lord Sugar's company to the current partnership model, introduced from series seven. Baroness Brady, the 56-year-old Vice-Chairman of West Ham United, admitted she never expected the series to thrive for twenty years. She praised its evolution, pointing to more entrepreneurial, digitally-savvy candidates focused on social impact and innovation.
A Lasting Legacy of Inspiration
For Tim Campbell, now 48, the show is profoundly personal. His victory led to a £100,000 role at Amstrad, launching him on a business career. He marvels at Lord Sugar's lasting influence and the show's cross-generational reach. "It's about all the amazing young people that we get watching the show," Campbell stated, revealing that nearly 20% of the 6.4 million weekly viewers are young people.
Lord Sugar remains philosophical about his legacy, wryly noting that former US host Donald Trump incorrectly claims to have given him the job. "It is a great achievement to have helped so many businesses and inspired so many young people," he concluded, thanking the BBC for its ongoing investment.
The Apprentice returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, January 29.
