Celebrities head to Lapland for festive challenge
In a festive twist to the popular television series, celebrities are dispatched to Lapland to create, market, and sell their own gingerbread biscuits, reports BritPanorama.
This event marks a departure for the franchise, as The Apprentice has shifted from its typical format, featuring a cast of celebrities instead of civilian candidates. The first full series of The Celebrity Apprentice is scheduled for next year, but the current iteration will kick off with a two-part Christmas special intended to benefit Children in Need.
The diverse lineup includes familiar faces such as AJ Odudu from Big Brother, presenter Angela Scanlon, and lawyer Rob Rinder, alongside less renowned personalities like comedian Eddie Kadi and Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges.
However, the inclusion of former Apprentice candidate Tom Skinner has raised eyebrows, particularly following his controversial appearance on Strictly. Skinner expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, noting, “This show changed my life,” while Lord Sugar appeared bemused by Skinner’s return.
The celebrity contestants are tasked with crafting gingerbread biscuits in a snowy Lapland setting, with the winning team’s product set to be sold in supermarkets during the festive season. Team leaders Gill and Rinder spearheaded separate groups, leading to distinct creative approaches. Skinner suggested an unconventional flavour of bubblegum and white pepper, while Rinder and Odudu struggled to find common ground on their team’s theme, ultimately producing a Santa-themed biscuit.
The concluding episode will see the celebrities pitch their confectionery creations to supermarket representatives before facing Lord Sugar’s critical evaluation in the boardroom. Despite the lighthearted nature of the competition, the outcome remains uncertain, as both biscuit offerings have drawn mixed reviews.
While some celebrity iterations of reality shows have struggled to attract audiences, the success of The Celebrity Traitors suggests that conflict among participants can captivate viewers. The dynamics between Odudu and Rinder showcase the potential for engaging television moments, far removed from the cooperative spirit often seen in similar formats.
As The Apprentice adapts to current trends, this celebrity edition injects a sense of frivolity into the franchise. The primary objective is to raise significant funds for charity, with entertainment serving as a welcome bonus.
The Celebrity Apprentice continues tomorrow at 9pm on BBC One.
