A former star of The Apprentice has slammed the popular BBC programme labelling it ‘stale’ and saying: ‘I would change everything about it’.
Raj Dhonota made it through to week nine on the first-ever series of the The Apprentice, headed by Lord Alan Sugar, in 2005.
The series was eventually won by Tim Campbell who has served as Lord Sugar’s aide on the show since 2022, replacing Claude Littner.
With series 18 drawing to a close, Raj reveals how he would improve the longstanding business reality show.
He told the Daily Star: ‘I’d change everything. I haven’t seen the most recent ones – I didn’t even watch all of mine to be honest – but if it’s the same format over 18 years it just feels a bit stale. I’d make it more real, more business oriented.’
The Apprentice star Raj Dhonota has slammed the popular BBC programme labelling it ‘stale’ and saying: ‘I would change everything about it’
Raj made it through to week nine on the first-ever series of the The Apprentice, headed by Lord Alan Sugar (pictured) in 2005
He said of his own experience: ‘I didn’t enjoy myself, it wasn’t for me. It wasn’t about business – it was about entertainment.
‘It wasn’t my cup of tea. It was advertised as being after the 14 best entrepreneurial minds in the UK, so I felt I could fit that bill.’
Raj added: ‘We only got to see Lord Sugar at the boardroom. It appears that the advisors are there all the time but they’re not.
‘They’re there for much less time than it appears on camera, just for the head nods and the winks and the raised eyebrows.
He explained that because Lord Sugar was such a serious businessman, he thought the show would reflect that and it didn’t.
He told the Mirror: ‘The truth behind the matter is that it’s the show producers who call the majority of the shots and provide the majority of the feedback to Lord Sugar.
‘From experience, the advisors are not there all the time or even the majority of the time.’
Raj has also lamented the fact candidates had limited choice and free will in tasks, saying he would give them more options if he were in charge.
Raj (pictured on the show) said of his own experience: ‘I didn’t enjoy myself, it wasn’t for me. It wasn’t about business – it was about entertainment’
The series was eventually won by Tim Campbell (pictured) who has served as Lord Sugar’s aide on the show since 2022, replacing Claude Littner
Since appearing on The Apprentice Raj has made – and lost – millions of pounds and bankrupted himself twice.
His latest venture will take him to the US, where he will continue working on social media app.
The Apprentice is currently on its 18th season and the next episode sees long-awaited interviews stage, with the final five set to be grilled by Lord Sugar’s team of experts.
Flo Edwards, Dr Paul Midha, Phil Turner, Rachel Woolford and Tre Lowe will answer the series’ toughest questions in a bid to made it to next week’s final.
Only two candidates are expect to progress to the final stage, with a change to win Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.
The Apprentice continues Thursdays at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Series 18 of The Apprentice began on February 1 with 18 candidates and ends on April 18
THE APPRENTICE 2024: MEET THE CANDIDATES
Amina Khan
Occupation: Pharmacist and Business Owner
Location: Ilford
Amina has been a qualified pharmacist for over a decade, in which time she has created a successful skincare and supplements business.
Flo Edwards
Occupation: Recruitment Consultant
Location: London
Flo revealed that she started her own consultancy, making her ready to tackle Lord Sugar.
Foluso Falade
Occupation: Project Manager
Location: Manchester
Foluso brands herself the ‘Mary Poppins of business’ and revealed that her aim is to run the first Social Enterprise to win Lord Sugar’s investment.
Maura Rath
Occupation: Owner, Yoga Company
Location: Wexford
Maura is taking the edge as a yoga teacher into her appearance.
Noor Bouziane
Occupation: Owner, Jewellery Company
Location: Liverpool
Ambitious owner of a premium jewellery company Noor professed that she will generate a wealth of cash for Lord Sugar thanks to the unique nature of her business.
Onyeka Nweze
Occupation: Chartered Company Secretary
Location: London
Onyeka revealed her plan is to be the first tech business investment made by Lord Sugar in eighteen series.
Rachel Woolford
Occupation: Boutique Fitness Studio Owner
Location: Leeds
Business-minded from a very young age, Rachel has plenty of experience managing her work independently. As well as her hard work in the office, she also shares her fitness triumphs on social media including running the New York Marathon in 2019.
Raj Chohan
Occupation: Mortgage Broker
Location: Leamington Spa
Raj admits that while she is a grafter, she is determined to have fun while working – as illustrated on her fun-filled Instagram account. A self-confessed ‘dog with a bone’ when meeting her targets, she wants to hit a gap in the market and will do whatever it takes for success.
Sam Saadet
Occupation: Pre and Post Natal Fitness Coach
Location: Essex
Sam revealed her friends call her a real Del Boy for being ‘part-wheeler dealer’ as well as her eye for a bargain. An online fitness coach with a focus on mums and mums-to-be, she’s hoping to prove her business brain to Lord Sugar.
Dr. Asif Munaf
Occupation: Owner, Wellness Brand
Location: Sheffield
Asif boldly describes himself as ‘Beauty, brains, body and business’ on his CV. The qualified doctor’s business plan focuses on vitamins and supplements.
Jack Davies
Occupation: Recruitment Director
Location: Bristol
As well as his work as a recruitment director, Jack also acts as a food reviewer, meaning he is ready with diverse knowledge and skills for challenges.
Oliver Medforth
Occupation: Sales Executive
Location: Yorkshire
Oliver’s background in selling at markets has him looking forward to the famous sales tasks. He is often seen plugging his wares on social media – particularly his gin range.
Paul Bowen
Occupation: Director, Pie Company
Location: Lancashire
One of two pie company experts entering the process, Paul prides his business on big name clients such as Manchester City Football Club.
Dr. Paul Midha
Occupation: Owner, Dental Group
Location: Leeds
Paul started his practice using every resource he had. Used to extensive learning from studying as a dentist, Paul is set on Lord Sugar’s investment and all that he can teach him about the world of business.
Phil Turner
Occupation: Owner, Pie Company
Location: Bognor Regis
Phil was awarded ‘Supreme Pie Champion’ in 2020 for his family-owned pie business, which dates back to the 1930s. He’s hoping to prove himself to Lord Sugar and start making him some real dough.
Steve Darken
Occupation: Management Consultant
Location: London
Steve claims that he shares Lord Sugar’s sharp mind and sense of humour. Consulting for ‘some of the biggest companies in the world’, he’s ready to take on the boardroom.
Tre Lowe
Occupation: Music & Wellness Entrepreneur
Location: London
Tre has had his previous tastes of fame, including in the UK garage band named Architechs. His Instagram account is a who’s who of the showbiz world, including snaps with Simon Cowell and Emily Ratajkowski.
Virdi Singh Mazaria
Occupation: Music Producer
Location: Leicester
DJ Virdi wants to introduce Lord Sugar to world he’s yet to invest in – music. His life is certainly filled with luxury as he shares frequent snaps on flash holidays and in front of pricey motors.
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