The BBC have replaced Sir Alan Sugar’s right hand woman, Margaret Mountford with Karren Brady .

Mountford announced her decision to leave The Apprentice during the last series of the show, claiming that she wanted to dedicate more time to academic studies.

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Brady is currently the chief executive of Birmingham City Football Club and is already familiar with the show, having been chosen as team leader on a celebrity version back in March 2006. She also takes part in the interview round of each series, putting contestants through their paces and reporting back to Sir Alan.

“Lord Sugar has decided to appoint Karren Brady, who has appeared in The Apprentice before,” a Talkback Thames spokeswoman said.

We recently wrote that Margaret Mountford was leaving The Apprentice and today is has been reported that soccer boss Karren Brady, is favourite to take over the role.

The Birmingham City managing director already participates on the show during the interview stage, when she vets the hopefuls and passes her findings back to sir Alan Sugar.

An insider told The Sun: “Karren is as astute as Margaret – but with added sex appeal.”

Sir Alan’s adviser Nick Hewer has said he would be happy if either Karren or Celebrity Apprentice contestant Michelle Mone got the job.

He said: “I like them both very much. I’d be very happy to work with either of them.”

Sir Alan Sugar’s abrasive style comes to Comic Relief.

To raise money ten celebrities battle to build businesses that call for discipline, teamwork, creativity and hard work. Succeed and the team survives.

Fail and their celebrity status won’t save them, because the following day Sir Alan’s infamous boardroom beckons… and someone will get fired.

The Celebrities taking part in the show are:

* Danny Baker
* Karren Brady
* Jo Brand
* Alistair Campbell
* Cheryl Cole
* Rupert Everett
* Ross Kemp
* Maureen Lipman
* Piers Morgan
* Trinny Woodall