Lord Sugar Signs New Deal to Stay on The Apprentice Until His 80s.
Lord Alan Sugar, the renowned businessman and TV personality, has signed a new three-year deal with the BBC, ensuring his continued presence on The Apprentice. The billionaire, who is currently 77 years old, was already contracted for the 20th series of the popular show next year. However, he has now committed to three more seasons, keeping him involved in the show well into his 80s.
This decision marks a significant extension of his role as the face of The Apprentice, a show that has become synonymous with Lord Sugar’s no-nonsense approach to business and his iconic catchphrase “You’re fired!”
In a recent interview with the BBC’s Amol Rajan, Lord Sugar shared his excitement about continuing his involvement in the program. Despite its ongoing popularity, The Apprentice has faced criticism over the years, but as Lord Sugar puts it, such criticism “falls like water off a duck’s back” these days. His commitment to the show underscores his belief in its lasting impact and success.
A Legacy Beyond the Show
Lord Sugar’s involvement with The Apprentice is not just about television entertainment—it's about mentorship and business. As part of his role, he invests £250,000 in the winning contestant's business in exchange for a 50% share of the company. This unique business model has led to some success stories, with past winners going on to build thriving companies.
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Reflecting on the show's legacy, Lord Sugar said, “Listen, when I took the job on The Apprentice, I was already a multi-millionaire. I didn’t do it for the money.” This honesty highlights his passion for helping others succeed and his desire to leave a meaningful mark on the business world.
Behind the On-Screen Persona
Known for his sharp wit and blunt business style, Lord Sugar insists that his on-screen persona is an authentic representation of himself. “That is me mate, I’m promising you,” he told Rajan during the BBC interview.
Having built his fortune from the ground up, Lord Sugar has extensive hands-on experience in every aspect of business. He explained, “I have sat on the production line, I’ve made stuff, I’ve packed boxes, I’ve loaded lorries, I’ve delivered, I’ve collected money. Every single facet of business, I have done all of it.”
This wealth of experience is what makes him such a formidable figure on The Apprentice. His ability to interrogate contestants and truly understand their business acumen stems from his years of real-world experience, making him a valuable mentor and judge.
A Rags-to-Riches Story
Lord Sugar’s rise to fame is one of the UK's most famous rags-to-riches stories. After failing an aptitude test with IBM, Lord Sugar started his entrepreneurial journey by selling car aerials from a van. Later, he began selling transistor radios, before founding his electronics and technology company, Amstrad, in 1968.
Amstrad became hugely successful, producing home computers and satellite dishes for Sky, and eventually catapulting Lord Sugar into the ranks of Britain’s wealthiest individuals. His entrepreneurial spirit and unyielding drive have made him an inspirational figure for aspiring businesspeople worldwide.
No Comparison with Donald Trump
The idea for the UK version of The Apprentice was inspired by Donald Trump’s American version of the show, which Lord Sugar was aware of due to his connections in Florida. However, when asked about comparisons between himself and Trump, Lord Sugar is quick to dismiss them. “He’s nothing like me and I’m nothing like him,” he said. “But the point is that what he’s doing is very, very unusual.”
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Lord Sugar also expressed his disbelief over some of Trump’s more recent actions, specifically regarding his clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “There are certain things in life that I didn’t think I’d ever experience. One was Brexit, which is the biggest tragedy. Then you’ve got a leader of a country, of America, publicly having a slanging match with someone else. It’s just not right.”
He went on to describe the public dispute as “humiliating for Zelensky,” while showing Trump’s “temper” and lack of statesmanship. “It’s not statesmanlike, is it?” he remarked. He also added that while Trump might have gained favor with some Americans, it did not bode well on the international stage.
Strong Views on Brexit and the UK Economy
Lord Sugar has never shied away from expressing his political views, and his opinions on Brexit are no exception. He has repeatedly criticized the decision to leave the European Union, calling it a “total, absolute disaster.” His frustration with the outcome of the Brexit referendum is clear, and he describes it as a major turning point that has caused lasting harm to the UK economy.
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Despite his strong disapproval of the Brexit campaigners, including politicians like Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, Lord Sugar also admitted that he backed Johnson in 2019 to prevent Jeremy Corbyn from assuming power. “Brexit has changed so many things,” he said. “Anybody who says it’s not is deluded.”
In an ideal world, Lord Sugar would be open to rejoining the European Union, and he joked, “If I was in charge, I would beg to get back in again.” His focus now is on finding ways to rebuild the UK economy and restore its place in the global market.
Looking Back at The Apprentice Contestants
Throughout the years, many contestants on The Apprentice have come and gone, with some quitting before being fired or hired. Lord Sugar has seen it all, and he recognizes that many contestants are more interested in gaining social media fame than in succeeding in the business world.
RELATED: Lord Sugar Tells Workers To Get Back In The Office.
Reflecting on one notable former contestant, Lord Sugar mentioned Katie Hopkins, the controversial media personality and right-wing commentator. Hopkins appeared on The Apprentice in 2007 but left the show despite being offered a spot in the final. “I was about to say, ‘Well, I’ll hire you.’ And she said, ‘No, actually, I don’t want to do it.’ So she left,” Lord Sugar recalled. “She was good. She was the best of that crew. No question of it.”
Lord Sugar’s keen eye for talent means that he can quickly spot those who are there for the wrong reasons, and as he explains, these individuals never make it to the final stages of the competition.
Conclusion: A Continuing Legacy of Success
Lord Sugar’s decision to stay on The Apprentice until his 80s is a testament to his passion for business, mentorship, and the show’s enduring success. While his views on politics and his blunt style may generate headlines, there’s no denying that his presence on The Apprentice has inspired countless individuals to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. His dedication to identifying raw talent and helping them succeed in the business world has made him an invaluable asset to the show.
As he continues his journey on The Apprentice, Lord Sugar is not only extending his personal legacy but also ensuring that the program remains an influential platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. With his unwavering commitment to the business world and his no-nonsense approach to mentoring, Lord Sugar is set to leave an even bigger mark on the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape in the years to come.
