A former Apprentice contestant has shared strict rules, suits budget secrets and what really happens in the infamous “losers cafe”
The Apprentice has graced our television screens for more than 20 years.
The beloved BBC programme first aired in 2005 and the 20th series is presently broadcasting.
Estate agent Kieran McCartney was eliminated from the competition last week following the failure of his “win or walk” agreement with business magnate Lord Alan Sugar.
Having narrowly missed securing a place in the Final Five, Kieran has revealed what audiences don’t witness on screen.
Viewers may be unaware that candidates are required to provide their own clothing and there are stringent behind-the-scenes regulations and “unspoken” customs that guarantee everyone appears suitable for television, reports the Mirror.
READ MORE: Who left The Apprentice? Five final revealed as two forced to leave BBC competitionREAD MORE: BBC The Apprentice’s Kieran shares real reason behind ‘win or walk’ deal with Lord Sugar
Producers firmly recommend candidates wear striking, solid colours as they photograph better. Audiences frequently notice female candidates in eye-catching primary-coloured bodycon dresses and men in smart suits.
The “uniform” generally comprises pencil skirts, fitted trousers and high heels for women, while men maintain sharp suits, although some venture into colourful socks.
Kieran confirmed: “You have to bring your own suits. They give you £500 towards suits but you got to bring everything else yourself.”
Weekly, the losing team make their way to the notorious Bridge Street café where the unsuccessful candidates reflect on their shortcomings over tea while the victorious team return home.
The café is an operational business situated in Acton, London and a well-known destination for enthusiasts of the programme. Reflecting on his time in the iconic “losers cafe”, Kieran revealed: “You’re in there for about an hour.
“It’s not the best coffee I’ve ever had. It’s instant coffee.”
While viewers follow the process unfold over a 12-week broadcast, the actual production schedule is considerably more compressed.
Lord Sugar’s adviser Karren Brady previously confirmed that the entire series is squeezed into five weeks, and Kieran has disclosed that candidates are given days off between filming.
He explained: “The task is two days, the Boardroom is one day and then you have a day off so it’s three days filming then one day off and then start again.
“On the days off we could go for a little wander but we were accompanied by a member of the team so you got no freedom really. We’d get haircuts or sit in a café somewhere and have a coffee but never alone.”
Kieran McCartney was speaking to BestBettingSites.co.uk – the leading comparison site for casino sites and The Apprentice is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
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