Movies

10 Shocking Secrets from The Apprentice: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes!

BBG News

In a thrilling turn of events, The Apprentice started its 19th season on Thursday evening, attracting approximately 3.5 million viewers eager to discover who among the aspiring entrepreneurs would be the initial contestant eliminated.

The concept is straightforward: Aspiring entrepreneurs engage in various challenges to win over the esteemed Lord Sugar.

In earlier seasons, contestants vied for a job at the billionaire’s company. However, in more recent times, the reward has been altered to an investment of £250,000 in their own business instead.

In series 15, Thomas Skinner earned immediate popularity by making it to week nine, and later returned to assist finalist Carina Lepore in starting her bakery enterprise during the grand finale.

Now the entrepreneur has revealed to TopMob 10 behind the scenes secrets about The Apprentice. 

1. Every 45 minute task takes three days to film 

In each hour-long episode, the tasks appear compressed, but in truth, it takes three whole days to capture them on film.

Each series typically spans across 12 weeks, however, the participants often complete most of their filming in just a small portion of that time, usually wrapping up production within less than two months.

Tasks are filmed back to back so there is very little opportunity for downtime or days off.  

2. The producers control the negotiations 

In public-facing sales situations, manufacturers often intervene to manage the bargaining process.

It might seem like the competitors are simply barging into stores or talking to people spontaneously, but Thomas disclosed that the producers had previously spoken about these interactions.

‘They tell them to make it really hard to buy or to be a p***k on purpose!’ 

3. If a sale isn’t filmed, it doesn’t count. 

In other words, only events or sales that can be recorded on camera will be considered valid for these tasks, so all sales should be postponed until the cameras are operational.

Contestants are not allowed to talk about the challenge when they return to their living space, making sure all intriguing discussions happen only during filming.

It also means the contestants won’t be able to predict which team has won the task.

4. The products designed by candidates aren’t made 

Instead of the contestants spending numerous hours developing concepts and crafting items to present to potential clients, the end result is often never produced.

Any products or services proposed to large corporations during presentations are essentially simulated sales, aimed at demonstrating to Lord Sugar their potential for success in the real world.

In tasks that involve selling actual goods and services like food and experiences, the earnings aren’t kept by the contestants or Lord Sugar; instead, they are generously contributed to charitable organizations.

5. You’re filmed getting ‘fired’ on the first day  

When a contestant gets dismissed, it seems like they wheel their belongings out of the office and then get into a black taxi to express their final thoughts. However, the scenes of them leaving are actually shot ahead of time, even before the termination process takes place.

Competitors will just record their closing statements, and since they’ll likely be dressed differently when they get eliminated, they are all wrapped up in coats and scarves for filming.

Thomas clarified: ‘After being let go, they lead you to a waiting room (usually green), and later, you travel by car while recording your final remarks during the ride back to a hotel.’

6. Lord Sugar really does want you to ‘keep in touch’  

In my line of expertise, I often encourage those who haven’t made it past a certain stage in their entrepreneurial journey to stay connected and share their future success stories with me. It’s always inspiring to see individuals grow and prosper, especially when they were once part of the same journey.

Instead of seeing it as merely a kind but empty act, Thomas clarified that the wealthy man was indeed keeping his promise.

Thomas remarked, “He’s a friendly guy, actually. We keep in touch occasionally, exchanging thoughts here and there. I’ve sought his advice at times, and he’s even purchased some items from me.

7. The final is filmed twice so nobody knows the winner 

To prevent the final outcome from being disclosed prematurely, two different conclusions are shot, and neither the chosen one nor anyone else is aware of the decision made.

Lord Sugar discusses the decision privately with advisors Karren Brady and Tim Campbell before revealing it during filming for You’re Hired, where the competitors share their experiences from the program.

Despite knowing who’s in the finals due to their involvement, they’re instructed to maintain secrecy about it.

8. The girls don’t really get ready in 20 minutes 

In each installment, contestants receive an early-morning call that jolts them awake, informing them they must prepare to depart their residence within twenty minutes.

Even though Thomas disclosed that they had been informed about the exact ring time of the phone a day prior, it gave the contestants an advantage by letting them prepare ahead.

As an overly enthusiastic admirer, let me rephrase: “I’ve noticed this intriguing pattern – they feign waking up earlier, only to slip back into bed and pretend to be sound asleep when the phone calls. It’s fascinating how they apply a complete face of makeup even before stepping out from under their covers!

9. You’re completely cut off from the outside world

While filming, participants must hand over their phones to the production team, preventing them from accessing the internet or reaching out to family members.

Thomas explained: ‘It looks easy when you watch it on TV but it’s really hard when you’re in there.

If you don’t have a phone or access to the internet, you’ll find yourself in a tricky situation. Since you can’t contact your loved ones or seek their guidance, whatever decisions you make will be on the spot and improvised.

10. Alcohol is banned

In the most recent installment of The Apprentice, it became public knowledge that contestant Reece Donnelly was dismissed from the program due to consuming alcohol during their flight to Dubai.

Thomas made it clear that there was a firm prohibition of alcohol during the filming of his series, stating, “As for what may have transpired with Reece, I can’t speak to that, but I can confirm that no alcohol was allowed on set while we were filming my show.

In the past, successful contestants were given permission to sip on a single flute of sparkling beverage following their victories in tasks. This practice was carefully overseen by the show’s staff members.

Read More

2025-01-31 19:46

Previous post How to watch the 67th Grammys (and what else you need to know)
Next post Arcane exposition in France: Everything you need to know about the behind the scenes