The Apprentice 2023 Candidates: Cast of 18 contestants for BBC Apprentice series with Alan Sugar revealed including Glaswegian
A new series of The Apprentice hit our screens this year, with 18 more hopefuls vying to win - including a Scottish contender
Lord Alan Sugar said The Apprentice was “back with a big bang” as the candidates jetted off to Antigua for the first episode following the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions before they filmed the series.
The 17th series of the BBC reality show featured 18 new candidates all competing to win a life-changing investment of £250,000 from Lord Sugar. The candidates were thrown into the deep end as the series kicks off with a trip to the Caribbean, where they will be tasked with creating and selling excursions to tourists.
Lord Sugar told the PA news agency before the series began: “Last year we were restricted by Covid in what we could do and what we couldn’t do because of the health warnings. So this year, we decided… let’s come back with a big bang.
“So I said: ‘Let’s go somewhere great to really kick off well.’ You should see the the candidates’ faces when I said to them: ‘Right your first task you’re going to Antigua’, that’s wonderful. Also for the audience it will be a great kick-off for the process.”
Here are the candidates who battled to win Lord Alan Sugar’s £250,000 business investment. The Apprentice to aired from Thursday January 5 on BBC One and iPlayer.
Additional reporting by PA
The 17th series of the BBC reality show featured 18 new candidates all competing to win a life-changing investment of £250,000 from Lord Sugar. The candidates were thrown into the deep end as the series kicks off with a trip to the Caribbean, where they will be tasked with creating and selling excursions to tourists.
5. Bradley Johnson
As a director of a construction company from north Yorkshire, Johnson prides himself on his “drive and determination”, having started a profitable business from nothing. He said: “I have a business plan that will see us turn over seven figures after year three and who knows where else that could take us.” Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC
6. Rochelle Anthony
Bedfordshire hair salon owner Anthony said she prides herself on being a “tenacious, fierce, and determined businesswoman.” She added: “I deserve Lord Sugar’s investment because I know the hair industry like the back of my hand and Lord Sugar knows business. Together, we would be an absolute force to be reckoned with.” Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC
7. Dani Donovan
Donovan is the owner of a hair salon in Hertfordshire and believes the key to business is “passion”. She said: “My unique selling point is my personality. I bring something unique. I’m a different kind of business owner, which is a lot more relatable to people.” Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC
8. Denisha Kaur Bharj
Bharj, who is a financial controller from Leicestershire, said she is not scared of being out of her comfort zone and has always been a “strong, motivated, hard-working woman”. She added: “I’m a woman who wants to create an empire and have it all, to be able to provide for my family and to be an inspiration to young women.” Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC