Twenty thousand CV’s were received from applicants around the UK – more than any other series before. The competition is stiff, as these ambitious business hopefuls are all successful in their chosen careers and hungry to reach the top.

Rivalry is rampant as all the candidates are desperate to walk away with the coveted prize of a six-figure salary and the opportunity to work for one of the most successful business moguls in the world.

With trusted aides Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford at his side, from the opening boardroom briefing Sir Alan makes it clear exactly who’s in charge:

“One of you is going to end up working for me on a six-figure salary, but I’ll tell you what, the money doesn’t mean anything. I’ve been in business for over 40 years. Your prize is working with me.”

However, the boss has a trick up his sleeve as he surprises the wannabe apprentices in episode one.

Thinking they are about to head off to relax in their new luxurious pad – a 7,000 square foot, multi-million pound, gated converted glass factory – with a glass of champagne and a glimpse of the high life, Sir Alan plays the first wild card of the series:

“This is a business boot camp. Mary Poppins I am not. I’m not going to hold your hand, I’m not going to tell you what to do. You’re on your own two feet. You might think you’re going off now to settle in. Well you’re not. Business starts now.”

They may be suited and booted for the boardroom, but Sir Alan wants them to get stuck in by sending them out on their first task immediately. It’s boys versus girls as each team is given two van loads of fresh fish and told to flog it all before their boardroom deadline at 7.00pm that evening.

Dressed head to toe in overalls and rubber boots, not only will the candidates be responsible for selecting a suitable market and pitch, they will also have to identify and correctly price the selection of fish.

Both teams are thrown in at the deep end and are desperate to prove their worth. They want to avoid a boardroom showdown at all costs to escape hearing Sir Alan’s immortal catch phrase “You’re Fired”. This is the job interview from hell.