The new series of The Apprentice kicked off last night with the usual format – 15 hungry hopefuls hoping to impress Sir Alan and nab the top job – but, with the credit crunch now a permanent fixture, what will the swanky London pad the contestants live in be like?…
“First prize – you get to work for me. Second prizes don’t exist.” Ah, Sir Alan, how we have missed you.
Alan and his crew were back last night on BBC1 at 9pm for the first episode in the fifth series of the BBC’s ratings powerhouse, The Apprentice.
As a reflection of the different financial climate, the budget for the Apprentice has been hit, with the overseas episode being axed and contestants undertaking several ‘buy British’ challenges.
The traditional mention of Sugar’s wealth has also been omitted from the opening credits of the new series, although the winning apprentice will still pick up a six-figure salary.
Each of the previous series has seen the contestants living in the trendiest properties in the UK with ultra modern décor.
This year, despite the credit crunch, they will be living it up in a West London penthouse with more than 10,000 square foot of luxury living space and private life to each floor. The house even comes with brainstorming offices, one decorated in black and one decorated in white – perfect for working on Sir Alan’s tricky tasks.
There is a balcony overlooking the rooftops of West London and one side of the penthouse is entirely made up of sliding glass doors, to make the most of the city views.
The bathrooms have marble tiles and the living rooms have feature walls painted in electric blue with huge modern paintings on the walls.
There is also a breakfast bar with high stools and a fish-tank containing 15 fish – one for each contestant. The super modern design continues throughout the rest of the house, with vacuum formed heavy-duty plastic chairs and chrome free standing lamps.
This series of The Apprentice includes a city stockbroker, an award-winning restaurant owner, a qualified lawyer, an aristocrat, a 21-year-old entrepreneur, an ex-professional footballer and a chess champion. For the first time, amongst the lineup are two international candidates.
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-ENDS-
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