http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3963690/Former-Apprentice-star-Nick-Hewer-claims-manipulated-producers-deliberately-pick-sexy-contestants-ridiculous-CVs.html

Even the amount of firing's is manipulated, there's always 5 people left at the interview stage the episode before the final.

Well yeah, the BBC people see them but when does Sugar? He pretends it's only at the interview stage but it's clearly much earlier than that.
I can't see the show going much longer. Maybe one more season?

Nothing I didn't already know.
But when does Sugar look at the business plans? We know it's way before the interviews.
A few Christmases back, work was slow and I was on the BBC Website. I noticed you could apply to be on The Apprentice. As a complete joke, I filled in the application. Mostly with gag answers.
I actually got a letter back telling me to turn up in London for an interview, and to bring my business plan. So obviously, they see it even before the candidates are chosen for the show.
Another example of how this show is set-up to make good television.

Nothing I didn't already know.
But when does Sugar look at the business plans? We know it's way before the interviews.