Who's in The Apprentice 2026? Full Cast and Firing Updates

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The Apprentice Returns with New Contestants and Fresh Challenges

The Apprentice is back, bringing a new set of ambitious contestants eager to impress Lord Sugar with their business acumen. The long-running BBC reality series made its return on January 29 on BBC One, with Tim Campbell and Baroness Karren Brady once again serving as the right and left-hand advisers to the TV business mogul.

This season features 20 fresh faces, each hoping to showcase their skills and pitch their business ideas. However, they must first navigate a series of challenging tasks that range from creating a children’s book to selling live on television and hosting a corporate away day in El Gouna, Egypt. Among the contestants are a barbershop owner and a Kim Kardashian-inspired mortgage broker, adding a mix of diversity and unique backgrounds to the competition.

Controversy has already sparked after one contestant, Levi Hague, faced backlash for resurfaced social media posts containing racist and sexist comments. He issued an apology, stating that these posts do not reflect his current values. Another contestant, Carrington Saunders, also faced criticism after she was caught filming her nails while driving dangerously.

Who Are the Contestants?

Andrea Cooper, a 46-year-old grandmother and lettings agency owner from Barnsley, brings a wealth of experience and determination to the show. She holds a first-class honours degree in midwifery and describes herself as hard-working and resilient.

Conor Galvin, an Irish photobooth business owner, aims to expand his business to major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. A former medical school dropout, he eventually graduated in law and business, taking his venture seriously.

Dan Miller, a student recruitment owner, started his business at 17 and has worked with major companies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Goldman Sachs. His focus is on community, giving back, and opportunity.

Carrington Saunders, an online loungewear business owner, built her brand using social media. She is confident, outspoken, and ready to take the lead.

Harry Clough, a financial sales manager, has a bold and creative approach to business, despite multiple failures. He aims to launch a free subscription box collaborating with food and drinks companies.

Karishma Vijay, a beauty brand owner from Ashford, Surrey, is determined to win. She believes she and Lord Sugar share similar backgrounds, both starting from nothing.

Lawrence Rosenberg, a public relations specialist from Herefordshire, wants to reinvent PR through intelligent automation. His motto is authenticity.

Megan Ruiter, a bespoke womenswear clothing brand owner, has seen her designs worn by celebrities. Her life is far from a 9-5 job, more like a 24/7 commitment.

Levi Hague, a personalized pet cremation urns business owner, has faced controversy due to past social media posts. He hopes to turn his business into a globally recognized brand.

Roxanne Hamedi, a beauty brand owner from Aberdeen, specializes in combating hair loss. She describes herself as fiery, sassy, and unafraid to be herself.

Marcus Donkoh, a barbershop owner from south London, aims to expand his business globally. Starting from humble beginnings, he dreams big.

Pascha Myhill, a recruitment consultant, is just 21 but has big ambitions. She sees her youth as an advantage and calls herself a free thinker.

Kieran McCartney, an estate agent, uses his seasoned sales skills to stand out. He hopes to use the investment to establish his own agency.

Vanessa Tetteh-Squire, a tech project manager and swimwear brand owner, focuses on women with fuller busts. She believes clear communication and bold thinking drive success.

Priyesh Bathia, a global account manager, wants to expand his cocktail business into a national brand. He describes himself as charming, quick-thinking, and willing to get stuck in.

Rothna Akhtar, a student wellbeing advisor, plans to revolutionize the cake and wellness industry with interactive baking workshops. She warns not to mistake her kindness for weakness.

Rajan Gill, a pharmaceuticals specialist, has pivoted to mounting TVs and building media walls. He aims to offer these as optional upgrades for newbuild developers.

Tanmay Hingorani, an AI product consultant, wants to create an AI-powered digital loyalty and marketing platform. His chess-playing background has honed his strategic mind.

Which Candidates Have Been Fired?

Nikki Jetha, a mortgage broker inspired by Kim Kardashian, was one of the first to be fired. Despite bravely taking on a project management role, her team's performance led to her dismissal. She expressed her confidence in stepping up despite the challenges.

Georgina Newton, an actress and events manager, was also eliminated. After leaving the show, she found work selling live on TikTok shop and is now working for various brands. She remains optimistic about her future.

The Apprentice returns to iPlayer and BBC One tonight at 9pm. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, reach out to the entertainment team via email or the Submit Stuff page. Stay updated with the latest TV news by signing up for the newsletters.