Margaret Mountford, Sir Alan Sugar and Nick Hewer in the fifth series of The Apprentice.
The Apprentice began on BBC Two on 16 February 2005. The reality documentary was modelled after the US version, which starred property tycoon Donald Trump. However the BBC’s take on the show was unmistakably British, fronted as it was by Sir Alan Sugar, founder of Amstrad. Over 12 weeks viewers watched 14 budding entrepreneurs battle through a series of business-related challenges with the aim of being hired to work for Sugar. Every week one contestant was dumped off the show- after a roasting from Sugar - with the words “You’re fired”.
The programme proved to be a hit, moving to BBC One and giving birth to a spin-off The Apprentice: You’re Fired! The winner of the first series was Tim Campbell, with Saira Khan the runner up. The number of contestants increased over the years to 18, but for the latest series was 16. Although it is sometimes hard to remember so many competitors, there are always some who stand out, not always for the right reasons!
Lord Sugar – as he became in 2009 – continues to be the unchanging heart of The Apprentice, ruthlessly appraising the candidate’s performance. There have been celebrity specials and a Junior version and the format has also inspired other programmes such as Beat the Boss.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971