People who watch The Apprentice might think that the candidates chosen to be on the show are chosen because they are young, but Lord Alan Sugar says that there are no age limits for applicants.
This week, the BBC show is back with a brand-new season that will introduce 18 aspiring business owners to TV viewers across the UK.
All of the business hopefuls want Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment and his helpful advice as they try to get to the next level of their careers.
At a press conference for the 2023 season, the business magnate was asked about the age of people who want to be on the show. He was also asked if he would be open to having older contestants on future seasons.
‘There is no age limit to our applications,’ the 75-year-old stressed in response, despite the majority of the cast appearing to fall into a similar age bracket.
He continued: ‘In the past series, I think there was someone who was a little more mature than the other candidates. There is no age limit and we don’t restrict people of more mature age.’
When a comparison between The Apprentice line-up and the cast of Love Island was brought up, Lord Sugar added: ‘I don’t know – I’d be able to answer that question if I ever watched Love Island.’
The Apprentice has been on the BBC since 2005, with Lord Sugar and Margaret Mountford and Nick Hewer as his first two assistants.
From season 6, Karren Brady took over for Margaret, and from season 11, Claude Littner took over for Nick.
Last year, Tim Campbell, the winner of season one, filled in for Claude when the business executive, Claude, who is known for his tough interviews, was hurt in a bike accident.
In the 2023 season, Claude will be back, but he will only be in two episodes. Tim will join Lord Sugar and Karren in the boardroom.
During the Q&A, Lord Sugar was asked how long he thinks he’ll stay on The Apprentice as the show gets close to its 20th anniversary.
With the 2023 series set to mark the programmes 17th season, he replied: ‘I have agreed to do two more series, which will bring me up to 19 and depending on how well that is received, and the BBC do their statistical numbers and all that, I’d be delighted to do a 20th.’
The Apprentice returns on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.