The Apprentice is now in its’ eighth series and for the majority of its’ run has been must-see television. However, over the last couple of years, the programme looks to be running out of steam.
Gone are the ‘characters’ that gave the show its’ classic moments (Any action taken by series 6 contestant, Stuart ‘The Brand’ Baggs, quite frankly), now we have contestants who are not only clueless but boring. In 2009, aide to Lord Sugar, Margaret Mountford left the show leaving Nick Hewer to welcome Karren Brady in series 6. Brady was boring, lacked the quips necessary to degrade the foolhardy contestants and made little impact. In short, she was no Margaret Mountford. However, it’s fair to say that she hit her stride toward the end of its’ run and now, I rather like her.
For me, the thing that has really changed the show, and not for the better, is the unnecessary change in format. Last year, Alan Sugar announced that instead of a job with ‘Britain’s most belligerent boss’, the winner would receive an investment to start-up their own business. This has meant that contestants bang on about business plans and while they still make hilarious mistakes that are talked about over the water cooler the next day at work, it all feels a bit staid. The contestants are taking it more seriously because it will be their business, not just a job they can leave if they wish to. An option all the previous winners have since taken. Series 6 winner, Stella English is even suing him!
In addition to the now slightly stagnant nature of the show, I, myself find it impossible to know what Al is actually looking for. Each week, you think you can predict who is going and he completely surprises and baffles you. I don’t think I’ve agreed with one ‘sacking’ in this series at all.
So, what should happen? The show still brings in the viewers and it has been announced that there will be a series 9 but should it be helmed by Lord Sugar? Should the format revert back to the old one? In my view, I think it is the format that needs to be reversed rather than getting rid of Shugs. After all, if Alan went then Nick would go too and I’m sorry but I don’t want to live in a world where The Apprentice exists without Nick Hewer!
