The Apprentice Celebrates 20 Years with New Series and Celebrity Edition

7 January 2026 Television and Media

Introduction: Two Decades of Boardroom Drama

The twentieth series of British reality television series The Apprentice is scheduled to premiere in 2026 in the UK on BBC One. As the iconic business competition show marks its landmark anniversary, viewers can anticipate an exciting year with both the traditional series and a groundbreaking celebrity edition. Lord Sugar’s search for Britain’s next business partner continues to captivate audiences, making this milestone year particularly significant for fans of the long-running programme.

Series 20: What to Expect

The Apprentice candidates will be jetting out to Hong Kong in the new series, marking a significant departure from the usual format. A teaser for the programme’s return shows Hong Kong’s skyline as the backdrop to boardroom scenes instead of the usual Canary Wharf setting. 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! While the BBC hasn’t confirmed an exact premiere date, Tech Advisor predicts The Apprentice series 20 may premiere around January 29, 2026, based on historical patterns of late January or early February airings.

Celebrity Apprentice Makes History

In addition to the regular series, the BBC will air the first ever full-length series of The Celebrity Apprentice in 2026. 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. Viewers can expect around 12 celebrities from a mix of industries – including music, television and sport – to step into Lord Sugar’s boardroom.

Conclusion: A Landmark Year for British Television

The Apprentice’s 20th anniversary represents a significant moment in British television history. With innovative changes including international locations and the expansion into a full celebrity series, the programme demonstrates its continued relevance and ability to evolve. As Lord Sugar, Baroness Brady, and Tim Campbell return to guide new candidates through challenging business tasks, 2026 promises to be a year that honours the show’s legacy whilst pushing it into exciting new territory for both aspiring entrepreneurs and established celebrities alike.