Claude Littner replaces Nick Hewer as advisor on The Apprentice

(Image credit: BBC/Boundless)

The Apprentice has just become a hell of a lot tougher after Claude Littner was confirmed as Lord Sugar's new advisor, following the departure of Nick Hewer last year.

Fans of the hit reality series will be familiar with Claude, who helps put candidates through their paces in brutal fashion during the intense 'interview episode' towards the end of each series.

In his new role Claude will be joining Karren Brady in watching over teams as they perform each weekly task, before reporting back to Lord Sugar.

The businessman, who has worked with Lord Sugar for more than 25 years, has already warned this year's candidates to watch out.

“If the candidates think I am soft and fluffy, they haven't been watching me on The Apprentice over the past decade," says Claude.  

"I will now be assessing their performance in the process, individually and within their teams. I will be reporting to Lord Sugar to play my part in ensuring that his personal investment of £250,000 goes to the best candidate. I'm ready, and this won't be a walk in the park!”

The Apprentice returns to BBC1 later this year.

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Sean Marland

Sean is a Senior Feature writer for TV Times, What's On TV and TV & Satellite Week, who also writes for whattowatch.com. He's been covering the world of TV for over 15 years and in that time he's been lucky enough to interview stars like Ian McKellen, Tom Hardy and Kate Winslet. His favourite shows are I'm Alan Partridge, The Wire, People Just Do Nothing and Succession and in his spare time he enjoys drinking tea, doing crosswords and watching football.