The Apprentice 2022: Who are the six London hopefuls seeking Lord Sugar’s investment?

BBC’s hit show The Apprentice makes its return to TV screens this week featuring six Londoners - but who are they?
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It has been two long years since Lord Alan Sugar last bellowed the iconic phrase “you’re fired” across his boardroom.

The Apprentice, which has been on our screens since it debuted in 2005, was forced to suspend filming following the outbreak of Covid-19.

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But now the BBC’s popular television programme will return for its 16th series on Thursday January 6.

A total of 16 contestants will battle it out for £250,000 of business investment from Lord Sugar, who is accompanied by a different duo this season.

Former Apprentice winner and entrepreneur Tim Campbell takes the place of fan favourite Claude Littner, who was forced to pull out due to an accident last year.

Whilst businesswoman and current West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady remains in her advisory role.

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In this season of the Apprentice, six out of the 16 contestants vying for victory hail from London, hoping to become the 7th ever winner from the capital.

The most recent being just last season when baking enthusiast and Croydon resident Corina Lepore won a 50:50 business partnership with Lord Sugar in 2019.

So who are the six Londoners hoping to follow in her footsteps in this year’s iteration?

Akeem Bundu-Kamara

Age: 29

Occupation: Strategy manager for a financial firm

What he says: "My growing up has made me who I am, I’m able to converse with everyone, but also able to show that financial, business side to myself."

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Akeem, 29, considers himself to be quite the people person and loves being around others.

Describing himself as a “numbers guy”, the London resident says that his analytical abilities allow him to think more carefully about each situation.

Akshay Thakrar

Age: 28

Occupation: Owner of a digital marketing agency

What he says: “My friends call me AK47 because I’m a killer salesperson."

Akshay, 28, is so devoted to the cause that he thinks sleep is just a “waste of time”.

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The Londoner can speak seven different languages and believes this allows him to connect and sell to anyone and everyone.

The 28-year-old says that his first word spoken as a newborn baby was ‘profit’.

Amy Anzel

Age: 48

Occupation: Owner of a beauty brand

What she says: “I can be nice when I need to be, but when I unfortunately have to be a b****, I will...”

Amy, 48, started her new beauty business later in life and has finally found something that she loves doing.

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Business savvy and persistent, Amy describes herself as a “tough boss” who has previous experience in sales and showbiz.

Conor Gilsenan

Age: 28

Occupation: Sales executive and former professional rugby player

What he says: “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.”

Describing himself as a “corporate panther” that has a record of getting deals done, Conor, 28, thinks he will win this series of The Apprentice.

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Formerly gracing sports pitches as a rugby player, his business idea involves creating lavishing and bespoke food and drink vendors targeted for music and sports events.

Navid Sole

Age: 27

Occupation: Pharmacist

What he says: “Nothing intimidates me because I just feel like I’m a strong character, strong person, strong mindset."

Not only is he a qualified pharmacist, but Navid, 27, is unashamedly a Nicki Minaj superfan.

The 27-year-old, who describes himself as “quirky” and “unique”, wishes to create an incredibly successful pharmacy business with the help of Lord Sugar’s investment.

He wants to stay true to himself throughout the process.

Nick Showering

Age: 31

Occupation: Finance manager

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What he says: “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."

Nick, 31, is a qualified accountant and wants to use this show as an opportunity to leave “the shadow of his family’s business”.

He hopes to achieve this through Lord Sugar’s investment to help him revolutionise the drinks industry with his line of flavoured water.

How to watch The Apprentice 2022

The new series of The Apprentice will hit screens on Thursday 6 January on BBC One.

It will air at 9pm and will be available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

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