The Apprentice spin-off series to axe long-running feature amid format shake-up

There's just under a week to go before The Apprentice returns for a landmark 20th season on BBC One, but some aspects may look a little different.

Aside from the first episode taking place in Hong Kong, and the fact there will be a whopping 20 candidates this year, the BBC previously confirmed that its usual The Apprentice: You're Fired had been replaced with The Apprentice: Unfinished Business.

Following Tom Allen's departure from the series, it was confirmed that Angela Scanlon would step into the hosting duties of the companion show and some tweaks have been made.

It has been reported that the usual vote the studio audience get to deliver their verdict on whether the eliminated candidate deserved to be fired or not will not be part of the new show.

Unfinished Business is expected to follow a similar format to The Traitors: Uncloaked, as the fired candidate and celebrity guests dissect the events of the episode.

As confirmed by the BBC, Unfinished Business will see the first interviews with fired candidates each week.

Together with the fired candidate, Angela and her panel will dissect all the drama from that week’s task, providing fans with in-depth analysis and behind the scenes intel.

Angela Scanlon said of the series announcement: "Having recently gone toe-to-toe with Lord Sugar in the boardroom, I have never understood or loved this iconic show more!

"To be part of The Apprentice as it heads into its 20th year is an absolute treat. I can't wait to get suited and booted and sit down with candidates and celeb fans each week to unpack the drama, make sense of the madness and hopefully walk away with some business advice while I'm at it!"

While Paul Broadbent, Director of Programmes at Naked (a Fremantle label), added: "As we approach the milestone series 20 of The Apprentice, the show continues to go from strength to strength.

"We’re reinventing our companion show for our loyal audience to analyse each episode, through fun and engaging content, that can not only be watched but also listened to. We’re thrilled to have former celebrity candidate Angela Scanlon lead the conversation and invite the fans to join in on the chat."

The Apprentice: Unfinished Business will air on BBC Two, iPlayer and Sounds on Thursday 29th January at 10:05pm.

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