The Apprentice's Claude Littner says Nick Hewer 'didn't contribute much'

The new series of the Apprentice hasn’t even started yet, but the show’s presenters are already fired up for the serious business of coming up with withering put-downs.

Straight-talking Claude Littner, Lord Sugar’s right hand man on the show alongside Karen Brady, has used an appearance on Good Morning Britain to tear a few strips off his predecessor, the much-loved Nick Hewer.

According to Claude, Apprentice legend Nick didn’t actually contribute much more to the show than a few raised eyebrows and funny faces.

We have no idea what you’re talking about, Claude.

BBC

66-year-old Littner, who was already well known to fans of the show for turning the thumbscrews during the dreaded interview stage of the show, says he was a little apprehensive about taking over from Nick when the BBC came calling back in 2015.

“When you saw him on TV he looked like he was just making faces and didn’t contribute much,” Claude explained. “I thought it was a real non job so I thought I will do the interviews.”

When he found out there was a bit more to the role than grimacing to camera on request and coming up with witty put downs, he was finally persuaded.

“Actually there’s an awful lot Karen and I do behind the scenes to advise Lord Sugar. Without us he’s got no chance of being in a position to determine who is really the best person to fire.”

‘Course there is, Claude. Go on – pull that face again.

Asked by GMB presenters Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid whether he feels sorry for the shows contestants given the grilling they get from Lord Sugar, Karen Brady and himself, he replied: “They are trying their best. But that’s not quite often good enough. They make a small mistake which has drastic effects.”

You can watch Claude pulling faces when The Apprentice returns to BBC One tonight at 9pm.