Key Highlights
- Thomas Skinner will return to The Apprentice for a new celebrity series.
- The series is set to air over Christmas and will raise funds for BBC Children in Need.
- Sir Alan Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady, and Mike Soutar are confirmed as judges.
- Skinner’s team includes JB Gill, Sarah Hadland, Angela Scanlon, Matt Morsia, and Shazia Mirza.
The Return of Thomas Skinner to The Apprentice
Thomas Skinner, the controversial ex-contestant from the BBC reality show The Apprentice, is set to make a surprise return for a brand new celebrity series. This announcement was made on Wednesday, 05 November 2025, by CultureTV and RadioNews.
A Celebrity Line-Up
Skinner will join a star-studded line-up of celebrities who have appeared in various TV shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Celebrity MasterChef, JLS, and Gladiators. The new series, set to air over Christmas, will see the teams travel to Lapland where they are tasked with creating their own gingerbread biscuits. This marks the first time the public can purchase items made by the celebrities on the show, a move that adds pressure for the candidates.
Team Composition
The first team of celebrities is comprised of:
- Thomas Skinner (from Strictly Come Dancing 2025)
- JB Gill (JLS singer)
- Sarah Hadland (Miranda actor)
- Angela Scanlon (TV presenter)
- Matt Morsia (Gladiators star)
- Shazia Mirza (comedian)
The second team includes:
- Jake Wood (EastEnders actor)
- Rob Rinder (Good Morning Britain presenter)
- AJ Odudu (Big Brother host)
- Charlie Hedges (radio presenter)
- Eddie Kadi (comedian)
- Kadeena Cox (Paralympian)
Judges and Support Staff
The judges for the series include:
- Sir Alan Sugar, who will be featuring in the specials alongside his aides, Baroness Karren Brady, and Mike Soutar.
Mike Soutar is stepping in to replace Tim Campbell, who has been an aide on the show’s most recent seasons after Claude Littner stepped away. Series one winner, Tim Campbell, will be present as an aide for this new season.
A Serious Business
Sir Alan Sugar emphasized that raising money for BBC Children in Need is a serious endeavor and candidates must deliver to avoid ending up on his “naughty list.” He added, “I think the celebs thought they were in for an easy ride, but they were wrong!”
The release date for the new series has yet to be announced. Fans of The Apprentice can look forward to this exciting return with the promise of charity fundraising and some high-stakes business challenges.
