Lord Al’s ‘secrets’ signings
CONTESTANTS on The Apprentice face legal action if they reveal any firings before they are shown on television.
The series is filmed months before it is broadcast on BBC One and bosses go all-out to keep who gets binned under wraps.
All candidates must sign a contract stating they will keep shtum.
A show insider said: “The series is filmed so far in advance there’s always a risk spoilers will leak.
“The producers do everything they can to keep it all secret so viewers don’t know what’s going to happen or who will get fired. “Part of that is getting contestants to sign that they agree to keep quiet. They know they face legal action if they break the agreement.”
Lord Sugar, 70, sometimes does a double or triple firing and producers are determined to keep the details a secret.
The current series of The Apprentice has been a ratings hit.
More than five million viewers are watching on Wednesday nights, making it more popular than The X Factor.
But BBC chiefs fear ratings would nosedive if results leaked. Our insider said: “It would completely ruin the show for the viewers.”
Contestants will this week be challenged to find a series of items to honour Lord Sugar’s birthday.
You can find out how they get on at 9pm on Wednesday.