Alan Sugar says there will be no more Celebrity Apprentice

Alan Sugar says there will be no more Celebrity Apprentice

The straight-talking boardroom boss said: "Celebrity Apprentice was a good idea at a time, and the Americans nicked it and - only the Americans could say this - they no longer do a 'civilian' version.

"I personally declined doing any more of the celebrity ones, I'm not sure we were even asked to do any more.

"They are a bit difficult to deal with some of these people. And the format relies on having the celebs at your disposal for a week and the celebs are very busy, and it's difficult to sort it out."

And talking about big personalities on the Apprentice, Lord Sugar said: "Sometimes the celebrity affects them in a way. A few - not necessarily winners - tend to believe they are far more important than what they are."

Lord Sugar, who picked up the gong for the Reality Constructed Factual category for Young Apprentice at the BAFTAs, said that his category was tough - and he thought An Idiot Abroad might have pipped him to the post.

He said: "I thought Ricky (Gervais) was going to nick it."

But he deadpanned: "I didn't think made In Chelsea had a chance to be honest," before admitting that he was NOT a fan of the E4 living reality show.

Don't Tell The Bride was also nominated within the category.

Lord Sugar also said that he won't be appearing on his co-star Nick Hewer's new gig Countdown as it's too far to travel.

He said: "It's up in Manchester so I'm not going to do it."

Alan confirmed that his old chum Margaret Mountford will star in the final of the current series of the Apprentice.

Lord Sugar also revealed that a few famous friends give Lord Sugar feedback on his BBC1 programme.

Topshop boss Sir Philip Green and Richard Branson are fans of the show and privately give the telly star reviews.

But he said that you can't ever pick who will win each series at the outset.

He said: "I have learnt that your initial instincts normally change. People do grow with the process. While you may favour an individual, they may start to wane and someone else starts to shine. We've witnessed that many times in the process."

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