The Apprentice has seen few changes in its cast over its 19-year tenure, and fans have been wondering about the reasons behind Claude Littner’s departure from the iconic boardroom.
Lord Alan Sugar is gearing up for an epic return for season 19 as anticipation mounts for the premiere of the much-loved business reality show on Thursday, January 30, airing on One and iPlayer.
Once more, 18 ambitious candidates from all corners of the UK will descend upon London with dreams of securing Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment and mentorship, ready to showcase their business savvy in a series of challenges designed to win over the mogul himself.
However, its not just Lord Sugar they’ll need to impress his trusted advisers Baroness Karren Brady and the winner of the first season Tim Campbell will be watching their every move with a hawkish eye throughout the contest.
Before Campbell took his place in the boardroom, the spot was filled by Claude Littner, a close companion and business ally of Lord Sugar.
The Apprentice cast: Why did Claude Littner leave The Apprentice? (Image: BBC)
The Apprentice stars Lord Alan Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady and former adviser Claude Littner. (Image: BBC)
Originally, Claude terrorised candidates as one of the formidable interviewers during the infamous interview stage, later stepping into Nick Hewers shoes as an adviser.
Claude stood faithfully at Lord Sugar’s side from season 11 through season 15 and then once again in season 17 before Tim Campbell eventually took his seat.
Why did Claude Littner exit The Apprentice?
In a turn of events, Claude Littner bowed out of The Apprentice before season 16 in 2021 due to a severe “freak accident” around Mill Hill, London, after being thrown from his bicycle.
At the time, he recounted: “I must have been doing no more than ten kilometres an hour on this sort of two-track road.
“The next thing I knew, I was on the left-hand side of the street, my bike was in the middle of the road and I didn’t know what happened.
“I suspect I hit a pothole or something like that, but I must have blanked out at the moment of impact, because the next thing I knew, I was lying on the ground.”
The Apprentice saw Claude Littner replaced by season one winner Tim Campbell as Lord Sugar’s adviser. (Image: BBC)
The 75-year-old was swiftly taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington amid serious concerns for his health.
“My wife and my sons were there as well and [the doctors] decided they were going to amputate my leg,” he disclosed.
“Then they had another discussion about it and they said, ‘Look, let’s get him into theatre right away tonight and let’s see if we can save his leg.’
“And I went into theatre and it was a very long operation and they didn’t take my leg off.”
Speaking on Good Morning Britain in 2023, he reflected: “It was a freak accident. I think someone was looking out for me but if someone was looking out for me better, I wouldn’t have had the accident.
“I was fortunate to have the ambulance driving behind me. I am extremely thankful to the ambulance crew for taking care of me and of course to the surgeons at St Mary’s who put me back together.”
Claude will not be resuming his role as an adviser for Lord Sugar but will return to interview the candidates later in the series.
The Apprentice is available to watch on One and iPlayer.