The 16th series of the business reality show is set to finally return to screens on Thursday following a two-year hiatus, with a fresh batch of hopefuls battling it out  for a huge investment from Lord Sugar.

The preview images of episode 1 suggest that Alex Short (27-year-old contestant) is not at his best. Short appears pensive while dealing with the business mogul, who is 71 years old, in the boardroom.

Lord Sugar is furious while he calls his notorious receptionist, as candidates wait for their fate. 

Uh oh! Preview images for The Apprentice episode one sees things get off to a potentially difficult start for contestant Alex Short, 27, as he cuts a pensive figure while facing Lord Sugar 71, in the boardroom

Uh oh! Preview images from The Apprentice episode 1 show that things are starting to get rocky for Alex Short, 27. He cuts a serious figure when he faces Lord Sugar 71 in boardroom.

Nick Showering (31), is seen in his boxers while filming on a greenscreen. 

Will his sloppy-clad behavior win the victory?

Or will they emerge victorious, as the girls are seen onboard a cruiseship to film their episode? 

Who's fired? While Lord Sugar looks furious as he makes his infamous phone call to his receptionist as the candidates await their fate - but who stays and who goes?

Who’s fired? As the candidate wait for their fate, Lord Sugar is furious and makes his famous phone call to his receptionist.

Fans will be thrilled regardless of the outcome. Karren Brady raises an eyebrow as she watches the candidates’ actions and looks up at Lord Sugar.

Tim Campbell will be joining Karren in series 1, replacing Claude Littner, who was injured on an E-bike. 

Karren gave an amusing insight to the highly anticipated reality series during a Tuesday appearance on This Morning. She discussed the chaos of the first episode. 

What's going on here? Meanwhile, the first task of the new series sees Nick Showering, 31, stripping down to his boxers as he films in front of a green screen

Why is this happening? Nick Showering, 31, is currently filming in front of a greenscreen.

Onto a winner? But will Nick's scantily-clad antics secure a victory for the boys? (L-R Aaron, Conor, Alex, Ashkay)

Onto a winner? Will Nick’s nimble-clad actions win the victory? (L-R Aaron, Conor, Alex, Ashkay)

Going for gold: Or will the girls, who are seen filming on a cruise ship, emerge as victors in episode one? (L-R Francesca, Kathryn, Stephanie, Sophie)

Go for Gold: Will the cruise ship girls emerge victorious in Episode One? (L-R Francesca, Kathryn, Stephanie, Sophie)

A clip was shown of the BBC show showing the contestants coming up with a questionable name for their cruise liner company – with Karren, who was appearing via video link from the Maldives, saying: ‘It goes from bad to worse. The opening episode returns with a bang.

“It is really back at its best. The familiar tooth fairy visited us when they created a new toothbrush for the kids.

We do all sorts of things including creating a videogame. However, we also have to complete a tourism task in Wales, which includes the longest zipwire in Europe.

“And I had to down it. But I was not as scared as that candidate screaming in terror. It was great fun. 

She's back! Whatever the outcome, fans will no doubt be delighted as Karren Brady's legendary raised eyebrow is back as she casts her steely gaze over the candidate's actions

She’s back! No matter what the outcome of this election, her legendary raised eyebrow will delight fans as Karren Brady casts her steely eye over the actions of the candidate.

Look who it is: This year will see series 1 contestant Tim Campbell join Karren as Lord Sugar's other trusted aide,having replaced former star Claude Littner who bowed out due to an E-bike accident

Look who it is: This year will see series 1 contestant Tim Campbell join Karren as Lord Sugar’s other trusted aide,having replaced former star Claude Littner who bowed out due to an E-bike accident

Elsewhere, Lord Sugar has revealed the last-ever task he will set for his business candidates will be to plan his funeral.  

Amstrad founder and magnate, who has spoken out about his plans to leave the series after 20 seasons of programming, has come up with a way for the final batch of candidates to show what his coffin will look like before his departure from the programme.

Ahead of the debut of series 16 on Thursday, the star said: ‘I’m not going nowhere and the programme is going nowhere.

“I want it to be 20 seasons. There are still four seasons to go. The final task of one series has been completed and I am now ready to plan my funeral. 

In the firing line: Karren recently gave a hilarious insight into the eagerly anticipated new series of the reality show (pictured Karren, Lord Sugar and fellow advisor Tim Campbell)

Karren gave an amusing insight on the new reality series, which was eagerly awaited (photos Karren, Lord Sugar, and Tim Campbell).

Blunders: A clip was shown of the BBC show, with Karren, who was appearing via video link from the Maldives, saying: 'It goes from bad to worse. This opening episode is back with a bang'

Blunders: A clip was shown of the BBC show, with Karren, who was appearing via video link from the Maldives, saying: ‘It goes from bad to worse. The opening episode returns with a bang.

THE APPRENTICE 2022: MEET THE WOMEN

AMY ANZEL, 48

 AMY ANZEL, 48

Occupation:Beauty brand owner

Save LivesLondon

Important information Starting her beauty business a little later in life, Amy has now found what she really loves doing after previously working in sales, showbiz and jingles. 

According to her, ‘I can be nice when I need to be, but when I unfortunately have to be a b***h, I will…’ 

BRITTANY CARTER, 25

 BRITTANY CREDIT, 25

Occupation:Manager, Hotel Front of House

Lives: Bristol

Important information Brittany is looking to break away from her hotel role and launch the first alcoholic protein drink, with Lord Sugar’s help. 

According to her,“Always be on the Bright Side” is my life motto. 

FRANCESCA KENNEDY-WALLBANK, 26

 FRANCESCA KENNEDY-WALLBANK, 26

Occupation:Sustainability company owner

Save LivesSurrey

Important informationThis math graduate who is eco-conscious and a mathematics major is seeking investment for her next venture. She will provide a service that reduces the carbon footprint of businesses using a simple formula she has created.

According to her,“There are two types of people on the planet: those who promise to do certain things, and those who actually accomplish them.  

HARPEET KAUR, 30

 HARPEET KAUR, 30

Occupation: Owner, dessert parlour 

Lives: West Yorkshire

Important information Describing herself as a born leader, fearless and funny, Harpreet plans to ‘level up’ her successful, six-figure coffee and cakes business to become a leading brand in the UK.  

According to her,“I am not here to make friends. Lord Sugar knows I am here for the money and isn’t in search of a new friend.

KATHRYN LOUISE BURN, 29

 KATHRYN LOUISE BURN, 29

Occupation: Owner, online pyjama store

Lives: Swindon

Important informationKathryn has held a variety of positions, from events manager to mortgage advisor. She describes herself as ambitious and kind.

According to her, “I believe that I have the ability to achieve my dreams.  

SOPHIE WILDING, 32

 SOPHIE WILDING, 32

Occupation: Owner, boutique cocktail bar

Lives: Cheltenham

Important information Sophie describes herself as “magical, enchanting” and even holds a Witch School qualification. Her bar is currently under renovation and she has previously been in sales.

According to her,“Failure does not exist.” My DNA is built on winning.  

 

STEPHANIE AFFLECK, 28

 STEPHANIE AFFLECK, 28

Occupation:Online store for children owned by the owner

Lives: Kent

Important information With her East-London roots, the blonde is hoping to bond with Lord Sugar and match his no nonsense attitude towards business. Her goal is to raise funds for her store, and join the growing fashion pre-loved industry.

According to her,“I have determination, grit and willpower to succeed.”  

 

SHAMA AMIN, 41

 SHAMA AMIN, 41

Occupation: Owner, children’s day nursery

Lives: Bradford 

Important information Shama already has a busy work life running her children’s day nursery as well as juggling life with five children at home. She is ready to prove she has the ‘skillset that is required to be one of the best, successful businesswomen in the early years sector.’ 

According to her,“Being a woman of color, with a headscarf and all the difficulties that we have to face every day, I want to set an example for other Asian women.” 

 

“I’d like to see how the coffin is arranged and what type of coffin it will be.”

Lord Sugar laughed at the question of Piers Morgan’s ability to take over his shoes and keep up with the one-liners and witty banter.

Sugar also rescinded the idea of The Apprentice’s celebrity cast made up of officials, saying that the auditions were too difficult for politicians like Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

After being off-air for 2 years because of pandemic, the new series is the much anticipated return to television.     

You're Pyre-d!  Elsewhere, Lord Sugar has revealed the last-ever task he will set for his business candidates will be to plan his funeral

You’re Pyre-d!  Lord Sugar revealed that the final task he will assign to his business candidates is to plan his funeral

A former rugby player, eco warrior, a ‘witch school’ graduate and the self-dubbed ‘Asian version of Lord Sugar’ lead the diverse 16-person group who will be battling it out in the boardroom in a bid to nab Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment in their business.   

The group includes eight women and eight males from diverse business backgrounds. This series will debut on Thursday and feature experts in online pyjama and retail sales. 

BBC bosses claimed that all contestants had been double-vaccinated before they took part in the series. The pandemic has impacted many UK companies, making it the most difficult challenge ever.

This BBC hit is currently in its 16th Season. It began as an innovative BBC series in 2005 that featured the best of Britain’s young business leaders hoping to get a job at Sir Alan. 

THE APPRENTICE 2022: MEET THE MEN

AARON WILLIS. 38

Occupation: Flying Operations Instructor 

Living in: Chorley, Lancashire  

Important information Aaron, a 12-year veteran of the RAF as a Flight Operations Instructor has decided to open his own security company.  

He stated:“My greatest strength is the ability to sell anything and everyone. I feel that this will make my business a huge success because I will get people to buy from me. 

AKSHAY THAKRAR 28

Occupation: Digital Marketing Agency Owner

Living in: London 

Important information Referring to himself as a man who believes sleeping is a ‘waste of time’ he also claims his first word as a newborn was ‘profit’.

 He stated:“AK 47 is my nickname because I’m a master salesperson. 

CONOR GILSENAN 28

Occupation: Ex-professional rugby player and sales executive

Living in: London 

Important information Conor, a former rugby player describes himself as hardworking and “hypermotivated by money” and is confident that he will be a winner in this series. 

He stated: “I will be Lord Sugar’s best business partner and corporate panther.

NAVID SOLE 27 

Occupation: Pharmacist

Living in: London 

Important information Navid is a licensed pharmacist who’s a Nicki Minaj fan and aspires for a profitable pharmacy business. Lord Sugar will help him. 

He stated:“Nothing scares me, because I feel strong, I have a strong personality, I have a strong mind, and I don’t fear anything.” 

 

AKEEM BUNDU KAMARA 29

Occupation:Strategist for a Financial Company 

Living in: London  

Important informationAkeem describes himself as an affectionate person and loves to spend time with people. But, as a “numbers guy”, his analytical skills often lead him to carefully consider his actions, since he believes he can come up with a “calculated view”.  

He stated: “My upbringing has shaped me into who I am today. I’m now able talk with people, and also show my business, financial side. 

ALEX SHORT 27

Occupation: Commercial Cleaning Company Owner

Living in: Hertford 

Important information Alex sets ambitious goals for his commercial cleaners business and is determined, focused, and ‘not going stopping’ until he reaches them.  

He stated:“I’d like to compare myself with a Ferrari. Shiny on the outside, but hot under the bonnet.

HARRY MAHMOOD 35

Occupation:Regional Operations Manager

Living in: West Midlands 

Important information Inspired by the kindness of his grandparents, Harry wants to help and support people.  

He stated: “Everything that I looked at achieving I have achieved. I’ve done literally everything I put my mind too.” 

NICK SHOWERING, 31 

 OCcupation: Financial Manager

Living in: London 

Important information Nick is a qualified accountant and has been working in the shadow of the family business. He hopes to become a successful entrepreneur in the drinks market with his flavoured water line. 

He stated: “In business, my strength is in knowing what I’m doing, understanding how things work and being a veteran.