The countdown to The Apprentice 2022 final is officially on but some BBC One viewers have noticed one task is yet to air.
This week's episode on Thursday, March 10 will mark the final task of the 2022 series before the interview stage and will see candidates go head-to-head to create and brand a new range of baby food.
Upon hearing the news, fans of the series took to social media to question why the classic shopping task, which sees candidates race around trying to bag specific items for the lowest possible price, hadn't featured.
Read more: The Apprentice 2022 cafe: Does it really exist and can you go there?
"No shopping task this year?? Love that task," wrote one BBC One viewer.
Responding, Lord Alan Sugar explained: "Yes it is a great task, but unfortunately it was impossible to pull off safely (due to Covid) at the time we filmed the tasks."
Fans were quick to react, with one stating: "Ahh such a shame but safety is important, amazing serious best programme on TV."
While another added: "Shame! Hope it can return next time!"
And a third commented: "One of my favourite tasks that one as well but makes sense hope to see it on the next series!"
The Apprentice 2022 comes two years after the last series, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2020 the BBC One programme was axed for the first time since 2005 due to the current climate.
It also failed to return in 2021, with Lord Alan Sugar explaining last year that while filming was taking place the show itself wouldn't be aired until 2022.
It's been a pretty eventful return for the show, however, with this year's contestants boarding a cruise ship in Portsmouth, negotiating fishy waters in Cornwall, and taking on an adventurous brief to boost Welsh tourism, with saw Karren Brady and the candidates take on Europe's longest zip wire. You can read more on this here.
The Apprentice continues Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.
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