Episode 1

Episode image for Episode 1

Episode 1 of 12, The Apprentice, Series 5

Duration: 1 hour

In their first boardroom meeting, Sir Alan leaves the fresh-faced candidates under no illusions about how tough the next 12 weeks will be, with a no-holds-barred introduction to the job interview from hell.

With no time for respite, the hard work starts immediately, as the immaculately dressed candidates are given a bucket and sponge and told to make as much money as possible by starting up a cleaning company. With just eight hours to turn a profit, both teams have to roll up their tailored sleeves and get stuck in.

Under the watchful eyes of Sir Alan's aides, Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford, the teams must decide where to go, what to clean and how much to charge. With highly competitive candidates all desperate to prove their worth, it is not long before tensions rise and tempers flare. Chaos ensues as the boys and girls compete against the clock to avoid a showdown with the boss, Sir Alan Sugar.

The winning team gets to check out their new home, a luxury penthouse suite with more than 10,000 square feet of modern living space, while the losers are left to battle it out in the boardroom. In the end, someone will be in the firing line. Who will be the first to hear the infamous words 'You're fired'?

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  • Episode Extras

    Episode Extras

    The girls wax, polish and shine; the boys show how to make a mess of cleaning a car. All the best of Episode 1, from task set-up to final taxi ride - including exclusives.

    This week's Extras
  • Episode 1 Recap

    Episode 1 Recap

    Catch up on episode 1

Credits

Participant
Sir Alan Sugar
Participant
Nick Hewer
Participant
Margaret Mountford
Executive Producer
Michele Kurland

Broadcasts

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