In a delightful role reversal, business titan Lord Alan Sugar found himself on the receiving end of a tough grilling, and his interrogators were a group of pint-sized tycoons. The iconic Apprentice boss, 78, surrendered his usual boardroom dominance for a special sketch filmed in aid of BBC Children in Need.
The Boardroom Takeover
For once, it was Lord Sugar in the hot seat. A fearless group of mini-magnates from the inclusive theatre group Haringey Shed didn't hold back, firing questions about his famously grumpy demeanour, his vast fortune, his football loyalties, and even his inheritance plans. An exclusive clip obtained by the Daily Mail shows the young candidates, dressed in their sharpest business attire, striding confidently into the famous boardroom to face Lord Sugar and his trusted aides, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell.
After being summoned by the receptionist's iconic line – 'You can go through to the boardroom now' – Lord Sugar began with his characteristic bark: 'Right, now listen, I'm busy, who's first?' But the atmosphere quickly shifted from intimidating to heartwarming.
Why So Salty, Lord Sugar?
One particularly bold youngster cut straight to the chase, asking the question on everyone's mind: 'Why is your name Lord Sugar when you're so salty all the time?' The query prompted a rare sight: Lord Sugar actually cracking a smile. He replied with good humour, 'Well, Sugar is my name, and that's it. What can I say?'
His business aide, Karren Brady, leapt to his defence with a laugh, stating, 'You're not always salty…' to which Lord Sugar admitted with a grin, 'No.' Throughout the session, both Brady and Tim Campbell, the winner of the first-ever Apprentice series, were seen giggling as the children continued their relentless and charming questioning.
More Lord Sugar to Come This Festive Season
Reflecting on the unique experience, Lord Sugar joked about his participation, suggesting he must be 'going a bit soft' to agree to such a grilling. He stated, 'As a special one-off, I've agreed to let some youngsters come in and grill me. I'm doing Pudsey a favour.'
Viewers can watch the full, heartwarming moment when Children in Need airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday night at 7pm. This won't be the last of Lord Sugar on screens this festive period. He is set to return for a Celebrity Apprentice special airing at Christmas.
This two-part Children in Need special, celebrating 20 years of The Apprentice, will feature a star-studded lineup including:
- TV star Rob Rinder
- EastEnders actor Jake Wood
- JLS singer JB Gill
- Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu
- Comedian Shazia Mirza
- Comedian Eddie Kadi
- Gladiator Matt Morsia
- Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox
- DJ Charlie Hedges
- Former Strictly stars Sarah Hadland and Angela Scanlon
Also returning is Tom Skinner, the bed salesman who first appeared on the show in 2019. Following the festive specials, the civilian series of The Apprentice will return in the New Year, where Lord Sugar will invest in his latest business partner.
