The iconic boardroom is heading east, as The Apprentice 2026 prepares for a spectacular return to BBC One later this month. The landmark 20th series of the business reality show is expected to launch on the final Thursday of January, continuing its traditional scheduling, though the exact broadcast date awaits final confirmation.
What's New for the 20th Series?
Lord Alan Sugar will once again take the helm, flanked by his trusted aides Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE. The formidable trio will oversee 20 ambitious candidates as they battle through a fresh set of weekly commercial challenges, with one hopeful being fired at the end of each episode.
The first official trailer promises a series of exotic and high-octane tasks. Viewers caught a glimpse of candidates assembled in Lord Sugar's famous boardroom, which has been temporarily relocated to Hong Kong. The preview also shows contestants navigating the city and completing assignments against the backdrop of iconic Asian landmarks, including a towering Big Buddha statue.
Further thrilling scenes involve contestants riding dune buggies and engaging in virtual reality combat with robots. In a surprise celebrity twist, the trailer also teases an appearance from popular musician and TV personality Big Zuu.
A Ratings Juggernaut and Charity Special
The Apprentice continues to defy the trend of declining terrestrial TV audiences, maintaining its status as a prime-time ratings powerhouse. The show's 19th season achieved an impressive average of 6.7 million viewers per episode, proving its enduring appeal in an era dominated by streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+.
The new series follows a successful celebrity Christmas special, which saw famous faces including Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, and Robbie Williams lend their star power. Contestants such as Rob Rinder, AJ Odudu, and Jake Wood tapped into their A-list contact books to help raise money for charity in a bid to be crowned the best celebrity businessperson.
The Ultimate Prize and Future Applications
As always, the ultimate reward for the winner is a £500,000 investment from Lord Sugar and a coveted business partnership with the tycoon. However, the path post-show can be challenging, as evidenced by last year's news that former runner-up Scarlett Allen-Horton's recruitment firm, Harper Fox Partners, which was backed by Lord Sugar after the 15th series, reported a loss in its latest financial year.
For those inspired by the new series, the opportunity to apply is already live. Applications for the 21st season of The Apprentice are now open, with the deadline for submissions set for 23 January. Prospective candidates must apply via the show's official website.
