BBC The Apprentice season 19 cast in full from pizza company owner to motivational speaker
The Apprentice season 19 starts tonight with 18 new candidates ready to prove themselves worthy of becoming this year’s winner.
BBC fans have been waiting all year for the return of the iconic business show. There are 18 entrepreneurs hoping to get their hands on Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment and mentorship so here’s everything there is to know about who will be walking into the boardroom.
The Apprentice season 19 candidates
Amber-Rose Badrudin
Convenience store owner from London
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Amber-Rose Badrudin’s first business Oree Mart was “a hit” after she built up her social media presence from scratch with 470,000 organic followers.
She went on to streamline operations by just focussing on the convenience store model but after daily requests for bubble tea, Amber-Rose set up “Oree Tea”, a separate boba tea shop “showcasing the best of Taiwanese bubble teas”.
Anisa Khan
Pizza company owner from London
Self-described as a “go-getter”, Anisa’s pizza business focusses on Indian-Italian fusion flavours and wants to expand by “opening more dark kitchens in high-demand areas”.
She said: “I hope to prove that I am a strong businesswoman with sharp acumen, capable of scaling a business and thriving in any challenge—whether in the kitchen or in the boardroom.
“I’m ready to tackle every task head-on and show I have what it takes to succeed.”
Aoibheann Walsh
Hair and beauty salon owner from County Donegal
The award-winning Irish businesswoman first launched her salon at just 24-years-old and has since won Best Business Startup 2015 and the Best Wedding Hair and Make-Up award for four years running.
Aoibheann has created a “unique patented utility belt specifically for hairdressers, make-up artists and costume designers on the go.”
Carlo Brancati
Hair transplant consultant from Middlesbrough
With almost 30,000 followers on social media, Carlos has built a “strong personal brand that resonates with people and industry professionals alike.”
He hopes to develop a user-friendly online platform to connect patients with “the most reputable hair transplant clinics” around the world.
Chisola Chitambala
Virtual assistant company owner from Essex
Having originally worked in healthcare, Chisola secured her MBA before moving into the world of business and now, with Lord Sugar’s investment, wants to create a platform that "revolutionises the way entrepreneurs connect with vetted investors, eliminating the need for tedious bank loans or endless presentations."
She said: “One of the key things I hope to prove to myself is my ability to consistently step outside my comfort zone and thrive in unfamiliar and challenging business situations.”
Dean Franklin
Air conditioning company owner from Essex
Dean won the award for Best Tradesperson of the Year in 2022 after setting up his air conditioning business during the pandemic.
He wishes to expand his company further, believing that him and Lord Sugar are “very similar”.
“He [Lord Sugar] is very passionate about science and electronics and that’s pretty much what air conditioning is, this is what he has done in his businesses, and it’s what he knows.”
Emma Rothwell
Online gift store owner from Essex
Emma’s business began as a side hustle in her boyfriend’s garage during the coronavirus pandemic and now wants to take it to the “next level”.
She wants to create an online platform where “anyone can upload their designs onto gifts and earn passive income.”
Emma Street
Corporate project manager from London
As someone with a passion for fitness, Emma has seen a developing market in the world of health takeaway coffee and now is looking to bring her brand to the masses.
She shared: “As a coffee and fitness obsessed Gen Z, the most apparent gap in the market to me is the accessibility to takeaway coffee that adds to your health, rather than detracts from it."
Frederick Afrifa
Motivational speaker from Milton Keynes
Former Italian national track star Frederik has helped more than “10,000 professionals and entrepreneurs increase their confidence when speaking under pressure.”
He is now aiming to expand his business in the hope of helping more professionals with their “confidence when speaking”.
Dr Jana Denzel
Cosmetic dentist from London
As the son of refugees, Jana has been able to build a Harley Street cosmetic dentistry practice that has attracted “Hollywood A-listers and Grammy Award winning musicians”.
With Lord Sugar’s investment, Jana wants to “scale up into a national force”, having also launched his own oral healthcare product line.
Jonny Heaver
Tutoring company owner from Liverpool
Having set up his business while studying at university, Jonny ran a team of more than 20 people and now wants to expand, targeting locations across the country.
He said: “I hope to prove that it is possible to succeed in business while also being compassionate.
“I have learned in my own business that success comes from inspiring those around you to share your goals and beliefs.
“I hope to bring this approach with me in my tasks with the other candidates.”
Jordan Dargan
Animation entrepreneur from Dublin
Jordan is this year’s youngest candidate at just 22 and is eager to turn his one-man operation into an “orchestra of the world’s most talented 3D artists”.
“I’m here to prove that age is just a number, and location is just a time zone,” he commented.
“Hard work and persistence can take you far, regardless of where you’re from or your years on this earth.”
Keir Shave
Telemarketing company owner from Leeds
After his previous employer went “bust overnight” Keir started up his own business in just three working days and now employs more than 40 staff members.
He hopes to create an online tool that’s designed to help sales staff during their sales conversations in the form a “chat-bot” providing ideas and tips based on the sales objection.
Liam Snellin
Workwear brand owner from Essex
Having worked as an electrician for 10 years, he saw an opportunity to create fashionable but comfortable workwear.
He won the award for Best UK construction workwear brand in 2023 and wants to develop his portfolio.
Max England
Senior account manager from Surrey
Max has spent the majority of his career in the world of e-commerce but is a former professional tennis player and now wants to combine his love for sport with business.
He says that racket sport Padel is the “fastest growing sport in the world” and wants to open a series of premium indoor Padel centres in the UK.
Melica Moshiri
Tech recruitment company owner from West Sussex
Melica is looking to turn her AI tech recruitment company into a global business that focuses “mostly on embedded talent and executive/retained search”.
She stated: “My business is profitable, and costs are minimal.
“With Lord Sugar’s mentorship, we can only go up and multiply the investment in as little as a year. Lord Sugar will be making a big mistake if he doesn’t invest in me.”
Mia Collins
Meal prep entrepreneur from London
As a former competitive bodybuilder, Mia has since transformed her side hustle into a business with a “fully catered meal prep service” that delivers freshly cooked food every week that’s “healthy and balanced”.
"My life revolves around the gym and food prep, and I love being able to help others improve their diets, too," she explained.
"Seeing my clients achieve their fitness goals whilst enjoying delicious, nutritious meals makes me so proud."
Nadia Suliaman
Salon chain owner from London
Nadia has a list of celebrity regulars that use her premium salon chain and now she wants to start her luxury accessory business.
She shared: "Introducing a new luxury product range with a twist, which incorporates an online application and members club for hairdressers, barbers and customers to interact with each other.
"The idea is to take the customer on the full journey and to be recognised as a one-stop destination for all hair, beauty barbering and retail product needs.
“The second element of the business plan is to expand into more locations across the UK and globally."
The Apprentice season 19 premieres on Thursday, January 30, at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
