🎄 The Apprentice just got festive — and fierce.
The BBC has confirmed the full celebrity line-up for the long-awaited Celebrity Apprentice UK Christmas Special 2025, celebrating 20 years of boardroom battles, witty one-liners, and dramatic firings — all in support of Children in Need.
After a six-year hiatus, the show’s revival blends classic Apprentice energy with holiday sparkle, promising chaos, comedy, and charity in one glittering hour of festive TV.
Lord Sugar returns for the 20th anniversary special
- Claudia Winkleman takes on hosting duties with a wink
- Celebrities meet in the boardroom for the first task
- Children in Need 2025 festive studio backdrop
- Lord Sugar’s iconic finger of doom makes a comeback
- The cast prepping their Christmas market challenge
Who’s In The Boardroom This Christmas?
Get ready for a line-up that screams entertainment gold.
BBC has assembled a star-studded mix of drama, sport, radio, and reality TV icons, each hoping to avoid the dreaded “You’re fired” while raising cash for charity.
Confirmed contestants include:
- AJ Odudu (Big Brother 2024 co-host)
- Charlie Hedges (BBC Radio 1 DJ)
- Eddie Kadi (comedian and broadcaster)
- Jake Wood (EastEnders legend)
- Kadeena Cox (Paralympic champion)
- Rob Rinder (TV judge and presenter)
- Angela Scanlon (The One Show host)
- JB Gill (JLS singer and farmer)
- Matt Morsia (YouTube fitness star MattDoesFitness)
- Sarah Hadland (Miranda actress)
- Shazia Mirza (comedian and writer)
- Tom Skinner (Apprentice alum and businessman)
The blend of personalities guarantees prime-time chemistry and inevitable boardroom fireworks.
Can Lord Sugar Still Rule the Room?
At 78, Alan Sugar is as sharp-tongued as ever.
According to BBC insiders, he’s promised “no Christmas leniency” — contestants will still face full tasks, marketing pitches, and profit calculations.
Viewers can expect classic Apprentice chaos: mismatched teams, overconfident leaders, and ideas that go hilariously wrong.
And yes — the iconic black cab confessionals are back.
A Festive Format Twist
For this Children in Need special, teams will design, market, and sell holiday-themed products, with all proceeds going directly to BBC Children in Need 2025.
Instead of corporate stakes, this version is all about heart and hustle.
BBC producers have teased surprise celebrity advisors, live music performances, and a few emotional moments that “capture the spirit of giving.”
Why The Return Matters
The Celebrity Apprentice UK reboot hits two major milestones:
- 20 years since the original launch (2005 debut on BBC Two).
- Six years since the last celebrity edition aired in 2019.
The timing is perfect — Christmas audiences are craving nostalgia meets novelty.
BBC’s early teaser clips have already racked up 1.2M+ views on TikTok and Instagram, signaling a major pre-launch buzz.
🖼️ Image Carousel: Behind the Buzz
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- Contestants filming in London’s Covent Garden market
- Children in Need mascot Pudsey joins the cast for a task
- Boardroom filming setup — a festive twist on the original set
- Oti Mabuse leading her team through a chaotic pitch
- Tom Holland cracking up mid-task
- Lord Sugar and Pudsey side by side — ultimate crossover
The “Where To” Module: Watch, Buy, and Join the Fun
Discovery – Where To Join the Conversation
Follow the official BBC Apprentice accounts on Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok for daily sneak peeks and clips.
Join the #CelebrityApprenticeUK tag to track live reactions as tasks unfold.
Acquisition – Where To Buy or Own (UK & USA)
Pre-order BBC Apprentice 20th Anniversary Merch at BBCShop.com (UK) and Amazon.com (US).
Exclusive Children in Need pins and festive T-shirts also available via childreninneedshop.co.uk.
Immersion – Where To Go or Watch Live (UK & USA)
UK fans can grab limited audience tickets for filming at ApprenticeTickets.co.uk.
US fans can attend virtual live streams via BBC iPlayer International.
Sustainment – Where To Stream (UK & USA)
The full Christmas Special drops December 20, 2025, on BBC iPlayer and airs Christmas Eve on BBC One.
Global audiences can stream via BritBox starting December 25.
Holiday spirit, competition chaos, and good causes — all wrapped in one iconic TV comeback.
🎄 Closing Reflection: Why We’ll Watch Again and Again
The Celebrity Apprentice UK Christmas Special 2025 is more than nostalgia. It’s a masterclass in merging charity with pop culture.
It brings together heart, humor, and a touch of holiday madness — the formula that keeps British television unbeatable at Christmas time.
