The Apprentice is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and it’s been reported that a new celebrity edition will be released by the BBC to mark the special occasion

The Apprentice logo showing white text on a blue background.

A former EastEnders star and a Good Morning Britain host are said to have signed up for the Celebrity Apprentice.

It was reported last year that the celebrity version of the Apprentice would be revived to mark the BBC show’s 20th anniversary, after having launched in the UK in 2005. The spin-off is expected to return to screens later this year.

The star-studded show has previously been released for Comic Relief and Sport Relief, with three series having aired between 2007 and 2019. Karren Brady and Tim Campbell – who are now aides to Lord Sugar – are among the celebrities who have competed in previous instalments of the spin-off.

Ahead of the spin-off’s apparent return, it’s been reported that former EastEnders cast member Jake Wood and presenter Rob Rinder – who fronts shows including Good Morning Britain – have agreed to appear on it. Bosses are said to be “so happy” to have signed up the pair, who have both previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing.

Jake Wood in a black suit on a red carpet.
Jake Wood is said to have signed up for the celebrity version of the Apprentice ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Rob Rinder in a blue shirt and grey jeans on a red carpet.
It’s also been reported that Rob Rinder has agreed to take part too ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Orion Books)

A source told the Sun: “The bosses are so happy to have secured them both, as they are really big names for the cast and each have a strong fan following. Jake in particular is really competitive, so he will definitely want to win!”

It has further been teased by the outlet that bosses also hope to sign up “big names” who have been on the celebrity version of the Apprentice already, like Cheryl and Piers Morgan. A source told it: “Execs want to get A-list stars involved for this very special version of The Apprentice, and signing up Piers in particular would be TV gold as there’s a long-running stand off between him and Lord Sugar.”

Celebrity Apprentice typically sees the celebrity contestants divided into two teams and competing in a single task. It was reported towards the end of last year that its return would included a Christmas theme. It was suggested that the show will see the cast flown to Lapland in Finland and then make products to sell back in the UK.

Discussing the celebrity edition of the Apprentice, a source told the Mirror in November last year: “Lord Sugar will be sending them to Lapland to get a brief from Santa. Hiring for the new series is under way – and there will be the usual firing that we love the show for.” And it was suggested that “the 20th anniversary special” would air in late 2025.