And so begins the sixth series of The Apprentice which returned to our screens last night. To preface, I should start by saying I’m not a fan of “reality television”. I’ve never seen X-Factor or Britain’s Got Talent. At university, I might have seen bits from the very first series of Big Brother but I was a student then, how else would I have filled my time?

However, I love The Apprentice. I realise, it’s no longer a serious programme about the world of business. Do any of the tasks bear any relation to the world of work? Probably not. Are any of the candidates credible business people? Time will tell, but it’s unlikely.

For me, the programme is about Alan Sugar (now Lord Sugar although I still prefer Surallan). His quick quips, constant reminders of his humble origins and sheer quotability. In recent years the programme has devoted less time to the tasks and more time on the boardroom encounters which is fine by me. I’m not sure I can watch the tasks without shouting at the TV – the amazing incompetence, the in-fighting and at the characters on display. I won’t bore you with the details but last night the teams were tasked with making and selling sausages. I can’t imagine this is one of the criteria a company like JP Morgan uses for recruitment but seemingly Sugar just hires people that can sell stuff!

Still, I look forward to the next 11 weeks of pure TV entertainment... For those who missed last night they can catch up here. Enjoy!

- Baydr