Funny business
You’re Fired host Tom Allen is relishing teasing the contestants booted off this year’s Apprentice
Since 2005 we’ve watched short-fused electronics mogul Alan Sugar put business wannabes through hell as they battle to become his Apprentice.
For some the process has led to lasting success, while others have crumbled under the interrogation of Lord Sugar and advisers Claude Littner and Karren Brady. After a boardroom tongue-lashing and the dreaded words ‘You’re fired!’, they’re off, smarting, in a black cab.
There’s a glam start to series 15, as the hopefuls go to Cape Town in South Africa to organise bespoke tours.
Then it’s over to BBC Two, where comedian Tom Allen is the new host of companion show You’re Fired. We’re used to him dishing out dry wit on Bake Off’s An Extra Slice. Now, he’s looking forward to getting his teeth into rejected candidates...
Tom, it’s going to be very amusing seeing you tease the rejects...
I’m going to have a lot of fun because I enjoy being a little bit cheeky about people’s foibles. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t put an acerbic twist on their behaviour.
So you won’t be holding back?
I’d like to celebrate achievements, but also say when something’s gone wrong and not be afraid to point out people’s flaws. For anybody who goes on The Apprentice, there’s going to be a moment when they make a mistake.
You’re Fired is fun but winning the show is a serious business, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s a formal interview process for someone to get £250,000. When we have a business pundit on the panel they’ll say things like, ‘Where’s the business plan?’ I don’t even know what a business plan is. Is it like coursework?
Why do you think the show remains so popular?
I think there’s a fascination because it’s very British to be reserved and think, ‘Know your place’.
Having the confidence to do this is impressive. The candidates are a good mix. There are younger ones and people from different walks of life you wouldn’t expect.
Some of them don’t seem to know very much about anything, but I really admire anyone who can be like that.
I’ve always enjoyed seeing someone and thinking, ‘Oh, they’ll be out the first week, what do they know?’
Some of the candidates don’t seem to know much about anything Tom Allen