Lord Alan Sugar has revealed why Tim Campbell is absent from the BBC’s Celebrity Apprentice Christmas Special, answering a pressing question from fans.
Mike Soutar, a familiar face from the programme’s interview rounds, was brought in as a replacement for the charity episodes.
The festive special will see a group of 12 famous faces taking part to raise money for Children In Need.
“Unfortunately Tim couldn’t make it, so we called upon Mike to come in, and Mike’s very good,” Mr Sugar told the BBC.
Mike Soutar is replacing Tim Campbell on BBC Celebrity Apprentice
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BBC
The business mogul praised Mr Soutar’s credentials for the role, noting his extensive experience with the show.
“He’s been in lots of our shows, he’s well known for doing all of the interviews,” Mr Sugar said.
“He’s a very nice man, and he knows the programme inside out, so who better to call in other than Mike?”
The festive special sees a dozen famous faces divided into two teams and dispatched to Lapland, where Santa Claus officially resides, for a unique challenge.
Tim Campbell usually stars alongside Karren Brady and Lord Sugar’s aide
Their task involves developing their own gingerbread biscuit creations, with all proceeds going to BBC Children in Need.
Lord Sugar described the concept as “very clever because it’s all about Christmas and about making biscuits.”
What sets this celebrity edition apart from previous specials is the commercial element, with the finished products heading to retailers across the country.
“What is different about this one is that the biscuits are going on sale in supermarkets and shops this Christmas,” Lord Sugar explained. “And it’s all for Children in Need, which is a great cause.”
Tim Campbell isn’t taking part in the festive The Apprentice show
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BBC
A million biscuits will be available for purchase during the festive period.
The celebrity roster features an impressive mix of talent, including TV presenter AJ Odudu, broadcaster Angela Scanlon, Radio 1’s Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi, actor Jake Wood, JB Gill, Paralympian Kadeena Cox, Gladiators star Matt Morsia, barrister Rob Rinder, actress Sarah Hadland, comedian Shazia Mirza, and businessman Tom Skinner.
Skinner’s return to the boardroom proved particularly moving, with the former contestant becoming emotional during filming.
Lord Sugar recounted his playful response to seeing him: “I said to him, ‘what the bl***y hell are you doing there?! Who put you in the celebrity bracket? That’s the only surprise! What audacity have you got calling yourself a celebrity!'”
12 celebrities will join Alan Sugar for the Christmas special
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BBC
Despite the teasing, Lord Sugar acknowledged that Mr Skinner’s emotional reaction stemmed from gratitude.
Lord Sugar confirmed he maintained his trademark tough approach throughout filming, refusing to soften his style despite the charitable purpose.
“No! There’s no point doing it any other way than the way I do it,” he stated when asked if he went easier on the celebrities.
The business tycoon expressed pride in the fundraising efforts, though he noted such charitable ventures are nothing new for the programme.
“I am proud. But it’s something we always do. I’ve lost count of the times we’ve done a celebrity version for charity,” Lord Sugar said.