Apprentice 2022 start date, contestants and brand new judge replacing injured Claude

The Apprentice is back after a two-year break – we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about how and where to watch it, as well who is competing and who is on the panel

The Apprentice is back for its 16th series as Lord Alan Sugar once again fires up his firing finger for another season of pointing and telling people to leave.

There’s a £250,000 business investment on the table for the 16 hungry contestants all eager to leave a positive impression with the former consumer electronics mogul.

After two year off due to Covid, taxi drivers in the local area are due to have their pockets lined once again as contestants are booted off the show at an alarming rate.

Like previous years, the hopefuls will have to work together to complete challenges before making their way back to the boardroom to convince Sugar that their efforts are not only worthy of survival but also recognition.

When does the Apprentice start?

The Apprentice’s series 16 kicks off on Thursday, January 6 at 9pm.

It will continue on Thursday nights from then onwards and will run for 12 episodes.

How do you watch The Apprentice?

The Apprentice will be available to view on both BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.

The first episode is titled Cruise Ship, and the second Toothbrush.

The judges

As ever, the panel will be headed by former Tottenham Hotspur part-owner Alan Sugar, who will be flanked by two familiar faces – although one will be recognised from being at the other end of the boardroom.

The judging panel is set to receive a new member, as former contest winner Tim Campbell steps up to replace Claude Littner after he injured himself in a cycling accident, forcing him to pull out.

Campbell won the inaugural season of the long-running show.

The pair will be joined once again by the returning Baroness Karren Brady.

Alan Sugar said: “My former winner Tim Campbell will step into Claude’s seat and be my eyes and ears as the candidates face a tough set of business challenges in the upcoming series.”

The contestants

The 16 contestants taking on the challenge are:

Aaron Willis, 38, flight operations instructor: “My strongest point is that I can sell, to anybody and I think that’s the reason Why my business will be a success, because people will buy from me.”

Akeem Bundu-Kamara, 29, strategy manager for a financial firm: “My growing up has made me who I am, I’m able to converse with everyone, but also be able to show that financial, business side to myself.”

Akshay Thakrar, 28, digital marketing agency owner: “My friends call me AK47 because I’m a killer salesperson.”

Alex Short, 27, commercial cleaning company owner: “I would compare myself to a Ferrari, shiny on the outside but under the bonnet, there is a lot of fire and I’m coming for you.”

Amy Anzel, 48, beauty brand owner: “I can be nice when I need to be, but when I unfortunately have to be a bitch, I will…”

Brittany Carter, 25, hotel front of house manager – “My motto for life is ‘always look on the bright side and be grateful for everything’– every day when I wake up, I write 10 things that I am grateful for and when I go to sleep, I reflect on five things I am grateful for from that day.”

Conor Gilsenan, 28, sales executive and former professional rugby player: “I’m going to be the corporate panther in the boardroom, I’ m going to get it done, and I’m going to be Lord Sugar’s perfect business partner.”

Francesca Kennedy Wallbank, 26, sustainability company owner: “There are two types of people in the world – there’s people that say they are going to do things and people that actually do them, and I’m a doer.”

Harry Mahmood, 35, regional operations manager: “Everything I’ve looked into achieving, I’ve achieved. I’ve literally done everything I’ve put my mind to.”

Harpreet Kaur, 30, dessert parlour owner: “I’m definitely not in business to make friends, I’m here to make money, and I’m pretty sure Lord Sugar isn’t looking for a new mate.”

Kathryn Louise Burn, 29, online pyjama store owner: “My dreams in my head are absolutely huge and I believe I can achieve them.”

Navid Sole, 27, pharmacist: “Nothing intimidates me because I just feel like I’m a strong character, strong person, strong mindset.”

Nick Showering, 31, finance manager: “In business, I’m a bit of a force to be reckoned with. I know what I’m talking about, I know how things work, and I’m extremely experienced. So, I’m a bit of an animal in the boardroom.”

Sophie Wilding, 32, boutique cocktail bar owner: “Failure is not an option, winning is part of my DNA.”

Shama Amin, 41, children’s day nursery owner: “Being a lady of colour, wearing a headscarf as well, and the challenges that we face on a daily basis, I just want to be a living example for the Asian women and South Asian women out there.”

Stephanie Afflek, 28, online children’s store owner: “I’m an East London girl, and I’ve got that no-nonsense sort of work ethic. I’ve got grit, determination and I’m determined to be successful.”

*The Apprentice kicks off on Thursday 6 January at 9pm on BBC One