Viewers of BBC One's The Apprentice say they are "gutted" that Lord Alan Sugar's aide Claude Littner will no longer be following the candidates in the 2023 series, for health reasons.
However, Claude has reassured his fans that he will return later in the series. He has been Lord Sugar's aide since Nick Hewer left in 2015.
Claude was replaced by the show's first-ever winner, Tim Campbell, in 2022 after he was injured in a biking accident. Claude returned for the 2023 series - but was absent from episode two, with Tim stepping backing in.
It has now been confirmed that Tim will be shadowing candidates instead of Claude for the rest of the season. Lord Sugar explained: "Unfortunately, Claude suffered some medical issues and so I was asked to think of someone else." Lord Sugar then announced that Tim Campbell will be following the candidates "for the next 11 weeks."
However, on Twitter, Claude reassured viewers - and said he would be back. In a tweet, he said: "All good. Back for the interviews. Meanwhile, basic arithmetic is a problem for the girls."
Viewers had expressed disappointment that Claude had to pull out. Neil Fissler tweeted: "No Claude for the next 11 weeks. Disaster."
Lauren Turner said: "Gutted Claude isn’t on the rest of the series however do love Tim, good to see him back too."
And Kristian Ross said: "Currently watching on a delay. So sad that Claude is ill again."
However, viewers have also welcomed Tim's return. @leumas-tweets wrote: "I prefer it with Tim Campbell as the aide. It seems fitting that the first winner of the show is involved in the show. I think Claude is best saved for roasting the candidates during the interview stage."
And @LichfieldWolfy tweeted: "I love Claude but Tim does give so much more energy."
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