Series Overview
The Apprentice returns for its milestone 20th anniversary on Thursday 29 January 2026 at 9 pm GMT on BBC One. For the first time the boardroom moves to Hong Kong, and the candidate pool expands to 20 – the highest number since 2014.
Lord Sugar is backed by long‑time aides Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE. The companion show is now called The Apprentice: Unfinished Business and is hosted by Angela Scanlon.
How to Watch in the UK
Episodes air weekly on BBC One every Thursday at 9 pm GMT for 12 weeks. You can also stream live or on‑demand via BBC iPlayer as soon as the episode airs.
Note: A valid UK TV licence is required to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
International Viewing
The series is not currently scheduled for broadcast in the US, Canada or Australia. Viewers outside the UK can still watch using a reliable VPN service (e.g., NordVPN) to obtain a UK IP address and access BBC iPlayer.
Episode Count
Series 20 consists of 12 episodes, each running approximately 60 minutes.
Companion Show
The Apprentice: Unfinished Business follows the main episode at 10:05 pm on BBC Two and is also available on BBC iPlayer.
Cast Highlights
- Former RAF gunner who runs a pet‑cremation business.
- Mortgage broker who cites Kim Kardashian as her business role model.
- Entrepreneurs from tech, fashion, food, and sustainability sectors.
Filming Locations
- Hong Kong – opening boardroom episode.
- London – central tasks and boardroom.
- Isle of Wight – outdoor challenges.
- Egypt (Red Sea) – special location‑based tasks.
Future Plans
A full‑length Celebrity Apprentice series has been confirmed for later in 2026, following festive specials that aired in December 2025.
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