The BBC is defending its long-running reality show from “nasty” claims after viewers slammed The Apprentice for its interview episode that aired this week.
Thursday saw the penultimate episode of the series air, featuring the final five candidates being interviewed and grilled by Lord Sugar‘s trusted advisers, including Claude Littner and Linda Plant.
However, viewers slammed the show for being harsh with the candidates this year, saying it felt as if contestants were being “bullied” by the interviewers.
A spokesperson for the BBC released a statement, defending the show’s interview process.
“The interviews round is more than just a normal interview. Its purpose is to help determine whose business plan has the potential to secure the £250k investment,” the broadcaster said in a statement. “As such, every detail must be thoroughly scrutinised and advisors will at times need to ask difficult questions. The stakes are high for candidates and emotions do run high as they want to secure a place in the final.”
Brady responded: “It’s Baroness Brady to you. My friends call me Karren.”
Once the interviews were completed, the advisers reported back to Lord Sugar so he could make a final decision on who he should take into the final, which will feature an all-female final two for the second consecutive year.
In the end, Lord Sugar fired Victoria, Dani, and Megan. This meant Rochelle Raye Anthony and Marnie Swindells were the 2023 finalists.
The Apprentice airs Thursday at 10pm on BBC as Lord Sugar decides who will be his next business partner, winning a £250,000 investment.
