Strictly would be A DISASTER

Lord Sugar’s former right-hand man, Nick Hewer, talks reality shows, Piers Morgan and why he doesn’t watch Countdown!

- RACHEL CORCORAN

Nick Hewer, 78, rose to fame as former workmate Lord Alan Sugar’s right-hand man on the popular BBC show The Apprentice. He left in 2014 after 10 series to focus on hosting Channel 4’s Countdown, which he stood down from last year to spend more time at home. Now, in an exclusive interview, he doesn’t hold back as he tells Woman why you’ll never see him on Strictly Come Dancing and has his say on that infamous and ongoing feud between Piers Morgan and his mate Lord Sugar.

Do you watch The Apprentice?

I do but I didn’t religiously sit down every Thursday evening. The great thing about Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice is that they have demystified business in an entertaining way, and have shown people that business is not that complicated or some secret society.

What do you think of Lord Sugar’s spat with Piers Morgan?

Oh, I think it’s a shame. Are they not buddies again? They used to slag each other off a lot. I went to Alan’s 50th wedding anniversary and Piers Morgan gave the speech, which of course was the rudest speech about Sugar that had ever been delivered, but very funny. And Sugar took it in great faith. I hope they’ll get back together again.

Do you think Alan will ever retire?