The 20th season of The Apprentice premieres Jan. 29, 2026, with 20 contestants competing for a £250,000 investment and mentorship in Hong Kong.

The 20th series of The Apprentice premieres January 29, 2026, on BBC One, featuring 20 contestants competing for a £250,000 investment and mentorship from Lord Sugar. The season marks the show’s first boardroom in Hong Kong, where Sugar makes a surprise appearance. Contestants, including a PR specialist, barbershop owner, photobooth entrepreneur, and former RAF gunner, face business challenges across global locations. The format now offers a 50/50 partnership instead of a salaried job, emphasizing real-world business growth. Advisors Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell return, and the series continues to highlight diverse backgrounds and entrepreneurial ambition.