Lord Sugar has extended his tenure on The Apprentice, signing a new three-year contract with the BBC that will see him remain at the helm into his 80s.
The billionaire businessman was already committed to hosting the 20th series of the show next year but has now confirmed he will continue for at least three more seasons. Speaking to BBC journalist Amol Rajan, Lord Sugar, 77, revealed the deal and reflected on the enduring impact of the long-running reality series.
Despite The Apprentice reaching its 19th season, he remains unfazed by criticism, saying it washes over him “like water off a duck’s back.” The format sees Lord Sugar invest £250,000 into the winner’s business in return for a 50% stake, a structure he remains proud of.
“When I took the job on The Apprentice, I was already a multi-millionaire. I didn’t do it for the money,” he said.
During the wide-ranging interview, Lord Sugar also shared his thoughts on former Apprentice US host Donald Trump and described Brexit as a “disaster.”
Famed for his blunt approach and the signature “you’re fired” catchphrase, Lord Sugar insists his on-screen persona is no different from real life.
“That is me, mate, I’m promising you,” he told Rajan. “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.”
A true rags-to-riches entrepreneur, Lord Sugar began his career selling car aerials and transistor radios from a van in Hackney, east London. He went on to build the technology empire Amstrad, before expanding into property and other investments, securing his status as one of Britain’s wealthiest business figures.
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Lord Sugar secures three-year deal to continue The Apprentice into his 80s