Sugar sweetens approach to firing would-be teenage apprentices

LORD Sugar takes on the role of a "firm but fair" headmaster – and shows his softer side – in his new series Junior Apprentice.

The teen version of The Apprentice shows 16 and 17-year-old aspiring tycoons, some of whom are already running their own businesses, displaying their talents to win access to a fund worth 25,000.

Viewers will see Lord Sugar warn the youngsters that he is no "happy clappy teacher", adding: "You can look at me as the head teacher that you'll love to hate. I'll be firm, but fair."

But when he comes to fire the first teenager, Lord Sugar explains to all three candidates that they have "tremendous potential" and acknowledges "it's a difficult thing to be the first person to go".

Asked during a press launch if he had modified his manner, Lord Sugar, who left school at 16, said:

"I spoke to them in a much different manner than you would do to more mature candidates."

Lord Sugar said 28,000 applicants had been whittled to make the final ten. They include Scottish student Kirsty Cleaver, 17. Her first job was in her parents' restaurant, where she served breakfast before school.

The 25,000 prize will be under Lord Sugar's control.

Junior Apprentice begins tomorrow at 9pm.