Overview
- Episode 1 aired on BBC One and iPlayer on 29 January with a first‑episode buying challenge staged in Hong Kong, a notable format change confirmed by the BBC.
- Lord Alan Sugar dismissed two contestants in the opening boardroom, cutting the field to 18 without revealing identities here to avoid spoilers.
- Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell returned as aides, observing the teams through the high‑pressure task in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Ahead of broadcast, candidate Levi Hague apologised for resurfaced 2013 social media posts, saying he was ashamed and takes full accountability.
- The series continues weekly, with the next episode scheduled for Thursday 5 February and companion show The Apprentice: Unfinished Business following on BBC Two.