The Apprentice returns in January with a brand-new member to the team 

Virgin Radio

9 Dec 2021, 10:52

It’s official, The Apprentice is returning to the boardroom on 6 January 2022, and Lord Sugar has appointed a new member to the team. 

Former winner and entrepreneur Tim Campbell (MBE) is taking the place of Claude Littner, who has been one of Lord Sugar’s boardroom aides since the series began in 2015. 

Littner is said to be taking a one-series break from the show to recuperate from an operation he had earlier this year. 

Campbell is looking forward to the opportunity and said: “I’m excited to be looking after Claude’s boardroom chair while he recuperates and look forward to seeing what the candidates come up with on this year’s tasks. 

“I was saddened by the circumstances which led to getting the call from Lord Sugar, but having been on the show myself, I know the hard work that goes into it - so I didn’t take the decision lightly.

“I wish Claude the very best as he recovers.”

He will be joining Baroness Karren Brady to judge candidates on their business management capabilities as they complete a series of tasks. The person who impresses the judges and manages to avoid Lord Sugar’s firing finger gets a £250,000 investment for their business. 

In a statement, Lord Sugar said: “Claude has been part of the series since the beginning and is leaving an important boardroom chair to temporarily fill. I’ve been speaking to him regularly about his recovery, and of course, hope we see him back in the boardroom very soon.

“In the meantime, 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.”