'Make Me Prime Minister': What is the Apprentice-style politics show? Why is Jackie Weaver in it? All you need to know

If The Apprentice did politics, it would be Make Me Prime Minister - Channel 4's latest reality contest featuring people who think they could do a better job of running the country than anyone in power.

The series has all the elements to become a must-watch, with excruciating challenges, over-confident contestants, and an internet sensation candidate in the form of Handforth Parish Council's very own Jackie Weaver.

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Here's all you need to know about Make Me Prime Minister.

When is Make Me Prime Minister on TV?

The six-part series begins on Tuesday, 27 September at 9.15pm on Channel 4.

It will continue weekly in the post-Bake Off slot.

What is Make Me Prime Minister about?

Imagine The Apprentice for Westminster wannabes - it's pretty much that.

A group of 12 ambitious candidates with strong views from across the political spectrum will be put through their paces on the campaign trail in a raft of prime ministerial tasks.

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They'll take advice from politicians and those who've worked on PM campaigns, but ultimately it will be up to each candidate to convince former politicians, experienced journalists and the public that they have the charisma, vision and political acumen to lead.

Each episode, the group is whittled down based on the challenges until just one successful candidate remains.

Who stars in Make Me Prime Minister?

Setting and judging the challenges are Alastair Campbell and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi who will lead the show.

They'll also be joined by some big names in the series, including former prime ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron who will offer their guidance.

As candidates go, the celebrity among the bunch is Jackie Weaver, 63, known for a lockdown Zoom meeting of Handforth Parish Council which went viral when another member shouted repeatedly at her: "You have no authority here!".

Other candidates include Brexiteer Alice, 20; Extinction Rebellion member Caroline, 55; anti-racism campaigner and ex-footballer Holly, 29; homelessness, disability rights and inclusion campaigner Kelly, 25; Natalie, 36, who feels strongly about tax avoidance; and Verity, 22, who wants to see equal percentages of all different UK communities represented in Parliament.

They'll also be up against Adam, 61, who wants to level up education; Conall, 24, who wants to create rehab centres for people struggling with addiction; Danny, 37, who wants all big government spending to first be put through a public assembly; darius, 23, who wants to help young entrepreneurs; and Rico, 30, who is campaigning on trans and non-binary issues.

What is the winner's prize?

It might seem as though we've almost reached the dystopian reality where the next PM could be chosen through a reality TV contest, but of course the show's winner won't really be moving into Downing Street.

Their prize will be the title of "Channel 4's Alternative Prime Minister" - although it isn't yet clear what that will involve.

Make Me Prime Minister begins on Tuesday, 27 September at 9.15pm on Channel 4.

Watch: Jackie Weaver reflects on 'weird' 2021 after going viral in Handforth Parish Council meeting