The iconic BBC business competition, The Apprentice, makes its highly anticipated return to screens on January 29, 2026, marking its landmark 20th year on air. Once again, Lord Alan Sugar opens the doors to his formidable boardroom, chequebook at the ready, seeking a dynamic business partner worthy of a substantial £250,000 investment. This year's series promises to deliver the usual blend of high-stakes tasks, fiery boardroom confrontations, and entrepreneurial ambition that has made the show a national institution.
A Diverse Cohort of London Hopefuls
The 2026 cohort features a particularly strong contingent from the capital, with contestants hailing from Battersea to Islington, and Enfield to East London. This eclectic group represents the vibrant and varied entrepreneurial spirit of the city, bringing business ideas that span technology, fashion, hospitality, property, and the creative arts. Many are already running successful side-hustles or established companies, believing they are perfectly positioned to benefit from Lord Sugar's mentorship and financial backing.
Profiles of the Capital's Contenders
London's representatives in the boardroom are a fascinating mix of backgrounds and business visions:
Dan Miller, based in Richmond, launched a student recruitment platform from his teenage bedroom at 17. Now working with corporate giants like PwC and Goldman Sachs, he seeks investment to scale his community-focused business, which he says is built on "giving back and opportunity".
Georgina Newton from East London is an actress and events manager with a unique proposition: a touring theatre company operating from a converted lorry to bring pantomime to wider audiences. She describes herself as resilient, having faced countless rejections, which she believes prepares her for the boardroom's challenges.
Carrington Saunders, representing South East London, has built a fast-growing online loungewear brand while achieving a first-class business degree. She credits her social-media-driven business model as a key advantage and is known for being opinionated and unafraid to lead.
Harry Clough from Battersea works in financial sales and has developed a business idea for a free subscription box funded by food and drink brands as a marketing tool. He describes himself as "bold, creative, and not afraid to take risks", learning from numerous past failures.
Marcus Donkoh of South London is a barber-turned-entrepreneur with global ambitions, dreaming of expanding his grooming and lifestyle brand to cities like New York, Dubai, and Tokyo. He balances serious business acumen with a belief in maintaining banter and enjoyment in work.
Kieran McCartney, another East London contestant, brings a decade of estate agency experience to the competition. He believes his sales skills make him stand out and aims to use Lord Sugar's investment to launch his own agency and dominate the London property market.
Vanessa Tetteh-Squire from Enfield works in tech project management and runs a swimwear brand designed for fuller busts. Passionate about empowering women through fashion, she cites her "clear communication and bold thinking" as qualities that will resonate with Lord Sugar.
Priyesh Bathia of Harrow is a cocktail entrepreneur and global account manager aiming to get his drinks brand onto supermarket shelves. He describes himself as "the perfect mix of charm and hustle", seeking to scale both his product line and mobile cocktail bar business.
Rothna Akhtar, an East London student wellbeing advisor, hopes to transform her side-hustle bakery into a full-time venture. Offering interactive workshops and bespoke cakes, she aims to "revolutionise" the intersection of baking and wellness, cautioning that her kindness should not be mistaken for weakness.
Tanmay Hingorani from Islington is an AI product consultant planning to create a digital loyalty and marketing platform for food and drink brands, powered by artificial intelligence. A seasoned chess player, he believes he shares Lord Sugar's roots in selling technology and that his emotional intelligence provides a strategic edge.
The Stakes and the Stage
Now in its twentieth year, The Apprentice has solidified its position as a premier springboard for entrepreneurs and influencers across the United Kingdom. The 2026 series continues this legacy, featuring candidates described as ambitious founders, relentless hustlers, and creative disruptors. They are all prepared to endure gruelling tasks, intense scrutiny, and the infamous boardroom interrogations for a chance at that final, career-changing handshake with Lord Sugar.
The show returns to BBC One and iPlayer from January 29, offering viewers another season of business drama, innovative ideas, and personal journeys. As these London contestants step into the spotlight, they carry not only their own business dreams but also the hopes of representing the capital's dynamic and diverse entrepreneurial community on a national stage.
