A former contender on BBC challenge show The Apprentice has got involved in a Twitter row with this year's winner after calling for the show's current format to be axed - and Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett had to step in.
Amy Anzel, who was on the show in 2022, has launched a petition calling for Lord Sugar to be replaced as the frontman on the show. He is contracted by the BBC for two more seasons.
Amy, owner of Hollywood Browzer Beauty, tweeted: "Offiicial petition for Lord Sugar to be replaced by Steven Barlett before The Apprentice is ruined beyond repair."
Her petition, signed by 79 people after three days, reads: "It’s time for Lord Sugar to make way for the next generation to take the reigns before The Apprentice is ran into the ground by a poor production team of people who have decided that the show should spend it’s time making a complete mockery of the candidates and being nothing but damaging to British entrepreneurship… at this point the show is verging on bullying it’s own candidates! GET LORD SUGAR OUT!"
2023 winner Marnie Swindells, who won £250,000 of investment from Lord Sugar for her boxing gym business, replied: "Have a day off." And she added a yawning emoji, reports MEN.
Amy clapped back: "I’m not the only one thinking it Marnie - and I’m certain you wouldn’t be supporting Lord Sugar if you were made to look a complete fool, like the rest of the candidates on your series have been… its not a show that’s about business anymore, it’s about cruelty and car crash TV x"
Steven Bartlett replied to Amy, saying he wouldn't replace Lord Sugar, 76. "Ahahah just being honest, I would + could never - there's only one Lord Sugar! But I appreciate it, Amy x."
@stopwaitaminute told Steven and Amy: "Dragons Den is a better programme too. The Apprentice is becoming too silly." @laurajayne_A agreed with Amy: "Me an my husband said exactly the same last week." And Clair of Hull said: "Signed and shared."
But @Mr_Norsworthy tweeted: "Still a great show. Highly entertaining and gets my blood pressure up seeing so many mistakes. @Lord_Sugar is so relevant and straight taking. @karren_brady is a class act too."
@JoJo_Elizabeth_ commented: "This is not what a petition should be used for... sigh. I back @Lord_Sugar and The Apprentice and always have, @MarnieSwindells has changed the direction of what businesses he invests in and I'm here for it."
@cedgson91 disagreed: "No, sorry. It wouldn’t be the Apprentice without him." @andyacechambers exclaimed: "Absolutely not, he’s class!" And @bronco_lane2002 argued: "Sugar is one of the best parts of it."
While @FactsDragrace said: "I absolutely agree with you that the show is no longer really about business, and puts emphasis on mocking its contestants, but I think at this point that’s why people still watch it. Not saying it’s right, but I think those who enjoy it now know what they’re watching/enjoying."
