The Apprentice 2025 lineup is REVEALED! From the shop owner who enjoyed THAT on-set liaison to an ex-sprinter turned motivational speaker - meet the hopefuls vying for Lord Sugar's investment who already boast huge online followings

The lineup for the new series of The Apprentice has been revealed, with 18 hopefuls vying for Lord Sugar's investment in the long-awaited new series.

A new cohort of aspiring entrepreneurs will join Lord Sugar and his trusted advisors, Baroness Karren Brady, and Tim Campbell.

The contestants will battle it out for the chance to win Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment, with the new series set to kick off on Thursday January 30.

However, while series past would see bosses track down budding business moguls hoping for their big break in the industry, it seems many of this year's hopefuls are already influencers in the making.

With candidates including a budding animator, a pizza company owner and a a meal prep entrepreneur many already boast a huge online following on Instagram and TikTok, no doubt meaning some viewers will already be familiar with their work.

This new series has also already been hit by controversy, with convenience store owner Amber-Rose Badrudin reportedly caught with another half-dressed contestant in a hotel room during filming abroad in Turkey.

Speaking on the new series, Alan, 77, said: 'I think we find that the quality of the candidates gets better and better, and it's important because the candidates make the show.

'The series is not about me or just the tasks that we set, most of all it's about the individuals that join the process. I think this series is going to be great. 

'We start off with a great trip to Austria which really sets the tone for the series. We also have lots of really good tasks, from buying and selling potatoes, making a virtual pop star to creating a banking app for kids.'

Traditionally, during the first few episodes the candidates are usually split into a male and female team, however this year, that has been scrapped.

And with next year being the 20th series of the BBC show, Alan said he will continue with the show as long as he is well. 'I have to see how I feel,' he said. I mean, I'm getting older, I'm nearly 78 years old. 

'So it really depends; so long as I've got my health and strength. I've always said I will carry on as long as the BBC wants me to. It's also a consideration that it's not my call, it's the BBC's call.'

So, as The Apprentice fans count down to the new series, MailOnline takes a look at this year's lineup...

Amber-Rose Badrudin

First to be introduced this year is convenience store owner Amber-Rose Badrudin.

She has a whopping 48million likes on TikTok where she documents her luxury lifestyle of getting beauty treatments, her holiday travels and working in her shop.

Speaking on why she applied for the show, she said: 'I was 22 when we first opened our business, breaking into a challenging industry where earning respect as a woman wasn't easy.

'Being a part of this process has been a life-long dream and is a wonderful opportunity to show other young girls with similar beginnings that they can also achieve anything they set their hearts on.'

Anisa Khan

Up next is Anias Khan, who owns a pizza company in London, and is no stranger to promoting her company's product, which she boasts are a fusion of Indian and Italian cuisine, and has 8,000 likes across her TikTok accounts.

Asked why she deserves Lord Sugar's investment, she said: 'I'm driven, ambitious, and determined to carve my own path. 

'My business is small now but has immense potential, with a unique concept that's already proven its appeal. With Lord Sugar's support, I can turn it into a leading brand and deliver exceptional result.'

Aoibheann Walsh

Hailing from County Donegal, Aoibheann Walsh owns a Hair and Beauty Salon, so it's no surprise she already has 20,000 Instagram followers, where she regularly shares swimsuit-clad snaps of her luxurious getaways.

Explaining she hopes to win Lord Sugar's investment for a premium product in the beauty industry, she said: 'I have designed a unique patented utility belt specifically for hairdressers, makeup artists, and costume designers on the go. 

'In my experience within the beauty and hair industry, I noticed a significant problem: the tools that artists typically wear are often not functional, ergonomic, or aesthetically appealing, nor was there any focus on hygiene. 

'This realisation drove me to create a tool belt that is not only ergonomic but also enhances the entire creative process.'

Carlo Brancati

Carlo Brancati has made a career out of building people's self-esteem by offering hair loss consultations and advice, having himself gone through the process twice.

Determined to expand and grow his consultancy business, Carlo said he's made it his goal to make finding the best hair transplant clinics as simple and effective as possible.

Asked why he deserves Lord Sugar's investement, he said: 'I deserve Lord Sugar's investment because my journey has been defined by relentless dedication and self-taught expertise.

'With a master's degree in psychology, sales experience, and self-acquired digital marketing skills, I've worked 15-hour days over the past several years to master the tools of modern entrepreneurship. Simply put, no one works harder than me!'

Chisola Chitambala

As the owner of a virtual assistant company, Chisola made the jump from a career in healthcare to business after securing her MBA.

No stranger to posting glamorous social media snaps, she already boasts 388,000 likes on TikTok.

Asked how she plams to challenge and prove herself during Lord Sugar's process, she said: 'One of the key things I hope to prove to myself is my ability to consistently step outside my comfort zone and thrive in unfamiliar and challenging business situations. 

'I want to demonstrate that I can navigate uncertainty with confidence, tackling tasks head-on even when the path forward isn't immediately clear.'

Dean Franklin

Family man Dean Franklin set up a thriving air conditioning business during the pandemic, and when he's not home in Essex with the family or at the office, he can be found hitting the golf course.

Asked why he deserves Lord Sugar's investment, he said: 'I honestly believe me and Lord Sugar are very similar. 

'I can relate to a lot of things he has said and done in the past. He is very passionate about science and electronics and that's pretty much what air conditioning is, this is what he has done in his businesses and it's what he knows. 

'This is right up his street. I'm just hoping he can show me the ropes and together we can get to the next level.'

Emma Rothwell

Proud northerner Emma Rothwell has seen her online gift store evolve from a side-hustle in her boyfriend's garage to a fully-fledged thriving business, and her TikTok already has 10,000 likes.

Explaining the business plan she hopes to win investment for, she said: 'To evolve my already successful business to the next level. 

'To create an online platform where anyone can upload their designs onto gifts and earn passive income. 

'Creating a community of creators and consumers. To empower people who struggle with or can't work a 9-5 to earn an income on their own terms.  

Emma Street 

A regular at the gym, Emma Street is no stranger to pushing her body to the limit. Her love for fitness has revealed an exciting emerging market in the world of healthy takeaway coffee, which forms the basis of her business plan.

Already a corporate project manager, Emma S said she hopes her passion for branding will help her to stand out throughout the process.

She said: 'My most creative instincts flow through my excel-sheet colour coding – a true passion of mine. 

'I have also taken part in many a sip-n-paint sessions, where my friends tell me what I have designed, leaves somewhat to be desired. Potentially too much sipping and not enough painting. Let's see how I fair.'

Frederick Afrifa

A former Italian national track star turned motivational speaker, Frederick Afrifa has dedicated his career to helping others overcome their fear of public speaking.

Given the nature of his work, he already boasts 12,000 followers on Instagram, where he regularly shares videos detailing his journey to his new career.

Defining his business plan, he said: 'To expand my communication skills company with the purpose to help more professionals and entrepreneurs with their confidence when speaking.'

Dr. Jana Denzel

Jana Denzel has built a leading Harley Street cosmetic dentistry practice, with clientele ranging from Hollywood A-Listers to Grammy Award winning musicians. 

As well as three degrees and 11,000 Instagram followers, Jana has declared that his business idea 'has the potential to disrupt and transform the UK dental industry.'

Explaining his business plan, he said: 'My business plan is clear: scale up into a national force in the dental industry, offering exceptional care and innovative products. 

'We currently offer general and cosmetic dentistry services, and we've recently launched our own oral healthcare product line, starting with a premium teeth-whitening kit.'

Jonny Heaver 

Having set up his tutoring business while still at university, Jonny Heaver has made it his goal to add a little more heart back into the world of business.

He explained: 'Running a team of 20+ people while managing academic deadlines, reading, and of course, a university social life, was challenging! Despite the challenges, it was the perfect time for me to set up a business.'

Defining his business plan, Jonny added: 'My business plan is to scale my business by expanding into targeted locations across the country and appointing regional directors with local knowledge to oversee them. 

'Many large tutoring companies are based in London and grow online, which results in an impersonal service with tutors who have no local knowledge. 

'As a business whose only asset is people, Lord Sugar's investment would be used for targeted marketing and training.'

Jordan Dargan

As this year's youngest candidate, animation entrepreneur Jordan Dargan is living his dream as a longtime fan of the show.

His TikTok, where he showcases the work of his one-man animation studio, already has 52,000 likes.

Explaining his plans to expand his animation venture, he said: 'I want to turn my one-man band into an orchestra of the world's most talented 3D artists to take my business to the next level.'

'I'm here to prove that age is just a number and location is just a time zone. Hard work and persistence can take you far, regardless of where you're from or your years on this earth.'

Keir Shave

Having set up his telemarketing business in just three working days, Keir Shave's acumen has created a fast-growing business.

Defining his plan that he hopes will win Lord Sugar's investment, he said: 'My business plan is a complementary business to my main outsourced Sales/ Telemarketing business. 

'An online tool that is designed to help sales staff at all levels throughout their sales conversations. 

'The tool is designed to provide little but constant support in the form of a ''chat-bot'' where the user can input their issue and the tool responds with ideas/tips around the sales objection.'

Liam Snellin 

Having worked as an electrician for ten years, Liam Snellin has been able to see a gap in the market for comfortable yet fashionable workwear, and has since set up his own brand to conquer the market.

While he proudly showcases his products on social media, Liam has also crossed paths with hitmaker Peter Andre, as a guest during his hosting stint on GB News.

Asked how he hopes to challenge himself during the process, he said: 'I love a challenge, and I am so grateful I get to compete for this amazing investment opportunity against some of the best young entrepreneurs and individuals around the country. 

'Going in I have nothing to prove, I know what I am capable of and know I have the tools to win.'

Max England

Former professional tennis player Max England is no stranger to a competitive game, and has since transitioned from his career in sport to senior account manager, with hopes of conquering the padel tennis market.

He explained: 'Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, with over 25 million people now playing. 

'The UK padel market however is still in its infancy and is only just starting its growth journey. 

'My ambition is to open a series of premium, indoor padel centres that service not only the general public but provide a base for those looking for the highest-quality facilities and the best coaching.'

'I'm ultimately offering Lord Sugar the opportunity to get involved in one of - if not the - most exciting, most investable areas out there at the moment.'

Melica Moshiri

Globetrotter Melica is the ambitious owner of a thriving AI tech recruitment business. Looking to connect her passions for business and travel, Melica’s goal is global.

She said: 'My business is profitable, and costs are minimal. With Lord Sugar’s mentorship, we can only go up and multiply the investment in as little as a year. Lord Sugar will be making a big mistake if he doesn’t invest in me.'

With 8,000 likes on TikTok, Melica has previously shared snaps of her international getaways on social media.

She went onto say that the basis of her business plan is to form a 'global AI Tech Recruitment company focusing mostly on embedded talent and executive/retained search.'

Mia Collins

Competitive bodybuilder Mia Collins has taken her passion for a challenge and channelled into her meal prep business, as well as sharing snaps of her victories on social media.

She said: 'My life revolves around the gym and food prep, and I love being able to help others improve their diets, too. Seeing my clients achieve their fitness goals whilst enjoying delicious, nutritious meals makes me so proud.

'Public speaking has always been a personal challenge for me. However, working in cybersecurity sales alongside running my business has helped improve my confidence and speaking abilities - I love to pitch. 

'It’s definitely helped to push me out of my comfort zone but I know I have more to learn. Through this process, I want to take myself to the next level. 

Nadia Suliaman

As the ambitious owner of a premium salon chain in Knightsbridge, Nadia Suliaman boasts a clientele list of celebrity regulars.

Explaining the beginnings of her business success during the pandemic, she said: 'Quitting my 9-5 role in 2020 a month before Covid and investing all of my money into starting a chain of hair salons. 

'I remember thinking, it was super scary but it was the best risk I ever took. Within year one I had expanded to five different locations across London.'

Asked why she deserves Lord Sugar's investment, she said: 'Lord Sugar should invest in my business because of my ability to turn dreams into reality. 

'If I had listened to the world, I would never have started my own business. The business to date has proven growth even with adverse conditions such as COVID during a time when most of the high street collapsed.'