Watch the teaser trailer for new series of The Apprentice
The Apprentice star Claude Littner has issued an update to fans after his absence sparked concern last season. The 74-year-old BBC star was involved in a serious car crash, which forced him to bow out of assisting Sir Alan Sugar in the previous series.
After being replaced by Tim Campbell, it is said that the business expert will return - but in a different capacity.
Fans were worried after the star was missing from the latest trailer, but he has since reassured them by saying: "I will be doing the interviews". This was in reference to the iconic annual interview episode, which sees the final five contestants grilled on their business plans by a group of no-nonsense titans of industry.
Claude has been a staple of the business reality show for years and has been a strong aide to Sir Alan Sugar. The businessman was often caught reporting back to the big boss alongside Baroness Karren Brady.
However, in 2022, Claude was forced to exit the show after suffering serious injuries. Doctors considered amputating his leg after he came off his electric bike in what was described as a “freak accident”. Thankfully he has since been put back together.
Issuing a health update on Good Morning Britain, he has since reassured fans that he is on the road to recovery.
He said: "I am doing wonderfully well, thank you.
"I am very grateful to the ambulance crew for looking after me and of course the surgeons at St Mary's who put me back together."
He went into detail about the crash, explaining: "It was a freak accident. I think someone was looking out for me but if someone was looking out for me better, I wouldn't have had the accident - I was lucky to have the ambulance driving behind me."
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Now, with the new series of The Apprentice kicking off for 2024, Claude has revealed he will be returning.
However, Tim, 46, will once again be replacing Claude as an aide on the show, with the latter featuring in the interviews episode towards the end of the season.
Last year, Sir Alan explained Claude's absence to the candidates, stating: "You may be wondering why this gentleman is here."
Pointing to Tim, he continued: "Regretfully, Claude has not been very well and Tim will be assisting me for the next 11 weeks."
The Apprentice airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
