‘My nickname is AK47’: The Apprentice 2022 candidates competing for Lord Alan Sugar investment are here and they’re suitably wild

The Apprentice is back! (Picture: BBC)

The Apprentice returns to BBC One this week with 16 ambitious new entrepreneurs battling it out for Lord Alan Sugar’s £250,000 investment in their business.

With the loser’s cab on standby, there’s no easing gently back into boardroom life and the stakes are higher than ever before.

Each task will end with the candidates being summoned in to fight their corner in the boardroom, with Lord Sugar, Karren Brady and previous winner Tim Campbell watching their every move.

A former rugby player, dessert parlour owner and a pharmacist are among the contestants taking part in this year’s series. Let’s meet them.

Aaron Willis

Will Aaron make it to the final? (Picture: BBC)

38

Chorley, Lancashire

Flight Operations Instructor

‘My strongest point is that I can sell, to anybody and I think that’s the reason why my business will be a success, because people will buy from me.’

Akeem considers himself a people’s person (Picture: BBC)

29

London

Strategy Manager For A Financial Firm

‘My growing up has made me who I am, I’m able to converse with everyone, but also be able to show that financial, business side to myself.’

Akshay believes he’s been put on earth to do one thing, and that’s to make money (Picture: BBC)

28

London

Owner, Digital Marketing Agency

‘My friends call me AK47 because I’m a killer salesperson.’

Alex is driven, focused and is ‘not going to stop’ until he gets where he wants to go (Picture: BBC)

27

Hertford

Owner, Commercial Cleaning Company

‘I would compare myself to a Ferrari, shiny on the outside but under the bonnet, there is a lot of fire and I’m coming for you.’

Amy describes herself as determined, persistent and a ‘tough boss’ (Picture: BBC)

48

London

Owner, Beauty Brand

I can be nice when I need to be, but when I unfortunately have to be a bitch, I will…’

Brittany is ready to learn as much as possible throughout the process (Picture: BBC)

25

Bristol

Hotel Front of House Manager

‘My motto for life is “always look on the bright side and be grateful for everything”– every day when I wake up, I write 10 things that I am grateful for and when I go to sleep, I reflect on 5 things I am grateful for from that day.’

Conor describes himself as a ‘corporate panther’ with a record for getting deals done (Picture: BBC)

28

London

 Sales Executive and former Professional Rugby Player

‘I’m going to be the corporate panther in the boardroom, I’ m going to get it done, and I’m going to be Lord Sugar’s perfect business partner.’

 Francesca is looking for investment in her next venture (Picture: BBC)

26

Surrey

Owner, Sustainability Company

‘There are two types of people in the world – there’s people that say they are going to do things and people that actually do them, and I’m a doer.’

Harry Mahmood

Harry describes himself as ‘the Asian version of Lord Sugar’ (Picture: BBC)

35

West Midlands

Regional Operations Manager

‘Everything I’ve looked into achieving, I’ve achieved. I’ve literally done everything I’ve put my mind to.’

Harpreet isn’t here to make friends (Picture: BBC)

30

West Yorkshire

Owner, Dessert Parlour

‘I’m definitely not in business to make friends, I’m here to make money, and I’m pretty sure Lord Sugar isn’t looking for a new mate.’

Kathryn Louise Burn

Kathryn describes herself as ambitious, kind, and often ‘savage’ (Picture: BBC)

29

Swindon

Owner, Online Pyjama Store

‘My dreams in my head are absolutely huge and I believe I can achieve them.’

Navid Sole

Navid aspires to create a successful pharmacy business (Picture: BBC)

27

London

Pharmacist

‘Nothing intimidates me because I just feel like I’m a strong character, strong person, strong mindset.’

Nick Showering

Nick hopes to make a name for himself in the drinks industry (Picture: BBC)

31

London

Finance Manager

‘In business I’m a bit of a force to be reckoned with. I know what I’m talking about, I know how things work, and I’m extremely experienced. So, I’m a bit of an animal in the boardroom.’

Sophie Wilding

Sophie describes herself as magical and enchanting (Picture: BBC)

32

Cheltenham

Owner, Boutique Cocktail Bar

‘Failure is not an option, winning is part of my DNA.’

Shama Amin

Shama describes herself as loyal, determined and outspoken (Picture: BBC)

41

Bradford

Owner, Children’s Day Nursery

‘Being a lady of colour, wearing a headscarf as well, and the challenges that we face on a daily basis, I just want to be a living example for the Asian women and South Asian women out there.’

Stephanie Affleck

Stephanie is looking for funding and support to develop her designer children’s wear store (Picture: BBC)

28

Kent

Owner, Online Children’s Store

‘I’m an East London girl, and I’ve got that no nonsense sort of work ethic. I’ve got grit, determination and I’m determined to be successful.’