Claude Littner has made a sensational return to BBC’s The Apprentice as this year’s final five candidates sat down to be interviewed. In scenes that aired on Thursday, March 16, the 73-year-old no-nonsense business executive interviewed Dani Donovan, Marnie Swindells, Megan Hornby, Rochelle Anthony and Victoria Goulbourne and quizzed them on their business plans - and their understanding of what it takes to run a successful business.
Claude has appeared on every series of The Apprentice, which began in 2005 and took over from Nick Hewer as one of Lord Sugar’s two main advisors in 2015. But after an electric bike incident - which you can read more about here - Claude stepped away from The Apprentice in 2022 and was replaced by former winner Tim Campbell. Despite Claude appearing in the first episode of the current run, Tim has remained a main advisor throughout the majority of the series.
Read more: BBC The Apprentice: Who are the 2023 finalists?
But in tonight's semi-final "interviews" episode, Claude made a welcome return and interviewed each of the final five on their business plans. The first candidate he spoke with was Dani, who was confidently pitching a hair extension business - but the tough-talking businessman wasn't convinced by her books. “Even somebody who isn’t good with numbers knows the difference between turnover and profit,” said Claude. “It’s not acceptable.”
Digging deeper, he added: “It doesn’t seem logical to me. You’re putting all of Lord Sugar’s money into masses of hair that you don’t actually know whether that’s going to work.”
Fed up, Claude told Dani: “I think we’ve come to the end.” With that, she walked out of her first interview. Speaking to her fellow candidates, a deflated Dani said: “There was nothing positive to take from that whatsoever.”
Later on, speaking to Rochelle about her beauty business, Claude said that he was going to bring her “down to earth” after looking at the finances of her business. He explained: “When I look at your numbers, they don’t make great reading.”
Defending herself, Rochelle told Claude: “I want to be realistic and I don’t want to pull the wool over your eyes.” In response, he quipped: “Well you won’t be able to do that, don’t worry.”
After he told her that he has little faith in her business, Rochelle said that she trusts him and called him the “numbers man”. He then replied: “It’s not about numbers, it’s common sense,” before calling her business idea “reckless”.
Next up for a Claude's intense grilling was Victoria, whose rental figures caused concern for the business executive. He pointed out mathematical mistakes she had made in her business plan, then told her: “A mistake is not credible.” In a final blow for Victoria, Claude said: “What you’re proposing is nothing short of absurd.” With that, she left the room.
Then, it was Megan’s turn to meet Claude and she was also in for a shock. After looking at her plan, Claude said: “I don’t see where Lord Sugar is involved in your existing business”. Earlier in the episode, Megan’s plan was heavily criticised by Karren Brady - read more about that here.
Claude told Megan: “These numbers are meaningless. You’ve shot yourself in the foot here! This is hopeless.” The emotional candidate left the room and told her fellow competitors: “He literally said that this is a pile of c**p”.”
Despite giving this year’s candidates a headache, Claude Littner’s return was praised by viewers on social media.
One Twitter user, @gbc123, wrote: "Awwww it's good to see Claude Littner back looking well and firing missiles...."
@Jerseyporter also added: "@claudelittner So good to see Claude back tonight. Claude, you've been so missed. Hoping you're back to normal #theapprentice duties next year!"
A third and fourth commented: "Claude is back! what a legend #TheApprentice" and "'Let me bring you back to Earth for a moment' man I’ve missed Claude#TheApprentice2023 #theapprentice"
"Glad to see Claude back! not the same without him," another tweeted.
At the end of the episode, fans of the show watched on as Lord Sugar fired not one, not two, but three businesswomen - Dani, Megan and Victoria - while Marnie and Rochelle made it to The Apprentice final, which will air on BBC One next Thursday at 9pm and will see them fight to become his business partner.
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