The rumours are true, The Apprentice is returning with 20 candidates this time around. All of them eager for Lord Sugar's approval. Among them we have some real gems and some real jokers, only time will tell which one of them will be fired.
Of our real jokers we have Bianca Miller, the owner of the Personal Branding Company who says her only regret is 'not becoming a scientist so I could clone myself and be more successful in half the time'. I'd argue becoming a mathematician and subtracting herself from the show would've been a better idea. Our first gem is Ella Jade Bitton who represents our graduate demographic. Ella has worked everywhere from Harrods to her parents own interior design company for whom she's responsible for their strategy and online presence.
Mark Wright looks to be another joker. The Digital sales manager says 'I'm very, very aggressive. I will not leave the room without getting a sale'. I can think of at least one room you'll be leaving without a sale. As we've seen in series past, you don't get far in Sugar's boardroom without the common sense to know when you're beaten. Solomon Akhtar looks to be a gem in the making, with a good helping of the raw enthusiasm that Sugar has hired in the past. I'm thinking about lovable goof balls Tom and Simon from a few years ago.
Joke numbers three and four are Steven Ugoalah and Roisin Hogan. Roisin is a chartered accountant who intends to 'Manipulate, persuade and conquer' because that's always worked so well in the past. While Steven, who has worked with Inuit tribes in the remotest parts of the world, boldly claims 'I can deliver in minus 50; I can deliver in plus 10. If we went to Mars right now, I'd find a way to be excellent'. Either he's the real deal or there's going to be a hilarious revelation come interview time involving a fridge.
James Hill might just be Alan's new favourite person. A multiple business owner, James started his empire by washing cars at an early age and has more of that enthusiasm we spoke about earlier. My one to watch however is Swimming Academy Owner Lindsay Booth. Her CV, which talks about the human qualities of business that she enjoys, caught my eye. I don't think Lindsay will be too much of a game player. But only time will tell.
The Apprentice starts next Tuesday (14th) and Wednesday with back to back episodes over two days at 9pm. Will you be watching?
