She’s known for taking a no holds barred approached when it comes to putting The Apprentice hopefuls through their paces on the show.
And, as she prepares to appear on screen again in the upcoming eighteenth series next week, Karren Brady has given fans a glimpse into her warm home life.
The businesswoman, 54, is due to become a grandmother for the first time within the next few weeks as her social media influencer daughter Sophia Peschisolido and her fiancé Frankie Makin prepare to welcome a baby.
Karren, who has been married to ex-footballer Paul Peschisolido, 52, for 28 years, has also told what she thinks is the key to her long and successful marriage.
On being a hands-on grandmother for her soon-to-be-born grandchild, Karren told The Sun: ‘Oh, wild horses couldn’t keep me away’
As Karren Brady prepares to appear on screen again in the upcoming eighteenth series of The Apprentice next week, she has given fans a glimpse into her warm home life
Karren, who has been married to ex-footballer Paul Peschisolido, 52 (pictured), for 28 years, has also told what she thinks is the key to her long and successful marriage
‘I’m really looking forward to it, and Sophia and her fiancé are so excited.
‘She’s healthy and well, touch wood, and everything’s ready and prepared. It’s going to be great – the first grandchild in the family.’
Karren, who is CEO of West Ham United Football Club and a Small Business Ambassador to the UK government, has been Lord Alan Sugar’s sidekick on The Apprentice since 2009.
While Karren is believed to be worth around £90million, her husband Paul enjoyed a stint in management after retiring from playing football in 2008.
On their marriage, Karen said: ‘My husband is my best friend. Our careers sort of went like this [she points in different directions].
‘When the kids were younger, he was a footballer travelling all over the world and I was based at home. And then when he retired, I moved to London to run West Ham.
‘We’ve always been there for each other and supported one another. There’s never been any jealousy or one-upmanship or anything like that’
‘What we have in common is the complete love for both of our children, and their health and wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do.’
Karren is to become a grandmother for the first time in the next few weeks as her influencer daughter Sophia Peschisolido (pictured) prepares to welcome a baby
Sophia announced the joyous news of her pregnancy last year on her Instagram with a montage of sweet snaps with her fiancé Frankie Makin (pictured)
It comes after Karren insisted she will depart The Apprentice when Lord Alan does.
She has squashed speculation she could take over from the 76-year-old entrepreneur if he ever leaves the BBC One business show, because she only appears in the programme because she ‘genuinely believes in’ her pal Lord Sugar.
She told the Daily Mirror: ‘It’s not a discussion him and I have ever had, but as long as he does it, I’ll do it, and when he leaves, I’ll leave, because I do it for him.
‘I don’t do it to be on the TV. There’s nothing scarier than being 54 and seeing your face on a 50-inch television screen, I can assure you!
‘I do it because I genuinely believe in him, I like him, I enjoy the show, and the team around it are fantastic.’
But Karren – who, along with former Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, acts as Lord Sugar’s aide on the show – is confident the businessman and the show will carry on for ‘a long time’ yet.
She added: ‘But I think the question of how long he’ll go on for is a question for him.
Karren is gearing up for the 18th series of the show, and she has teased fans the upcoming candidates are the ‘most highly qualified’ that have ever been on the series (L-R: Karren, Lord Alan Sugar and Tim Campbell)
‘But a long time, I hope. I mean, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t.’
Karren is gearing up for the 18th series of the show, and she has teased fans the upcoming candidates are the ‘most highly qualified’ that have ever been on the series.
She said: ‘I think from that point of view, the standard is really very high, but with high standard and high achievers comes high ego!’
The Apprentice returns on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Thursday 1 February at 9pm.
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.
