Yahoo News Next series of The Apprentice could be delayed until late 2021, according to Lord Sugar
The next series of hit BBC show The Apprentice might not air until late 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to star Lord Alan Sugar.
While it has already been announced filming for the sixteenth series of the show had been postponed, a tweet from Lord Sugar seems to hint it could be pushed back even further.
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Responding to a follower on Twitter who asked if the next series had been cancelled, the 73-year-old said: “I guess so. [The show] could be back in Spring 2021.
‘Or skip a whole year and be back in October 2021.”
.@bbcapprentice Yes I guess so. Could be back in Spring 2021 or skip a whole year and back in October 2021 https://t.co/OTc4dp88ci
— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) April 12, 2020
If this is the case, the 2020 series is essentially missed out, as it normally airs in October anyway.
Lord Sugar was also asked if this meant contenders who were due to perform in the upcoming series would be missing out, to which he responded: “The BBC has a selection of candidates ready to go from the last recruitment process in March. They will be called on once we have the green sign to start filming.”
The BBC has a selection of candidates ready to go from the last recruitment process in March. They will be called on once we have the green sign to start filming @bbcapprentice https://t.co/RjshicXa6s
— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) April 12, 2020
A BBC spokesperson previously said: “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, Boundless the producers of The Apprentice, have postponed filming in consultation with and supported by the BBC.
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“We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.”
Carina Lepore won the last series of The Apprentice.
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The businesswoman impressed with her model based around an artisan bakery which Lord Sugar deemed worthy of winning and awarded her £250,000 investment in her business.
If you’re missing your Apprentice fix, it is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
