The Apprentice Returns in 2026: Landmark Series 20 and Celebrity Edition Announced

Introduction: Two Decades of Business Brilliance

The Apprentice, one of Britain’s most beloved business reality shows, is marking a significant milestone in 2026. The twentieth series is due to air on 29 January 2026, continuing Lord Alan Sugar’s quest to find the nation’s most promising business talent. The show’s enduring popularity has made it a cornerstone of BBC’s entertainment programming, with Sugar having fronted the regular series for 19 seasons, starting back in 2004.

This year holds particular significance as the programme celebrates its 20th anniversary with not one, but two major offerings: the landmark twentieth regular series and, for the first time, a full-length celebrity edition. Both promise to deliver the high-stakes drama and business challenges that have captivated audiences for two decades.

The Twentieth Series: New Boardroom, New Challenges

Filmed earlier in 2025, the new series will begin in 2026 with Baroness Brady and Tim Campbell MBE, and this year there’s a brand new boardroom. The production represents a fresh chapter for the show, with Lord Sugar promising surprises for the anniversary edition. Applications for this series closed earlier in 2025, whilst applications are still open for the 21st series, which is expected to air in 2027.

Celebrity Apprentice Makes History

In an unprecedented move, The Celebrity Apprentice is officially returning in 2026, this time with a full-length series. Following the success of the charity specials, the BBC has given a green light to brand-new line-up of celebrities, who’ll battle it out in Lord Sugar’s boardroom. The six-part series will see a new line-up of famous faces take on weekly business challenges set by Lord Sugar, competing to avoid the words “you’re fired” and ultimately be crowned The Celebrity Apprentice winner.

Lord Sugar expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded format, noting that celebrities will be stripped of their usual support systems. The BBC hasn’t confirmed an exact start date yet for The Celebrity Apprentice, but we do know that the six-part series will air in late 2026. This follows successful Christmas specials that aired in December 2025, raising funds for BBC Children in Need.

Conclusion: A Year of Business Battles

The Apprentice’s dual offering in 2026 demonstrates the programme’s continued relevance and appeal to British audiences. Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: “The Apprentice is a much-loved part of the BBC’s entertainment offering, and we can’t wait to see how the celebrity candidates rise to the challenge when the series launches later in 2026.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs and entertainment enthusiasts alike, 2026 promises a double dose of boardroom drama. Whether watching regular candidates battle for a business investment or celebrities stripped of their usual privileges, viewers can expect the same uncompromising standards and business acumen that have made The Apprentice a British television institution for two decades.