Rivals in the hiring line

ARE you as excited as I am by the return of THE APPRENTICE (BBC1, 9pm)? You are? I'm sorry, but I find that really hard to believe.

- Mike Ward

Honestly, you should see the dazzling array of candidates they have attracted for this new series. And you will, if you can sit through this opening episode, resisting the urge to switch over to Beat The Chasers.

Gathered in Lord Sugarplum's boardroom, to meet him and his aides for the very first time (that, and to hear what fiendish challenge they must first undertake, in their quest to secure his £250,000 investment), are the following: One cosmetic dentist, one hair transplant consultant, one animation entrepreneur, one meal prep entrepreneur, one corporate project manager, one athlete- turned-motivational speaker and one tennis player-turned-senior account manager.