The Apprentice: Claude Littner blasts this year’s candidates and gives brutal reason for the show’s biggest punishment
Claude has pointed out one "obnoxious" candidate
The Apprentice has made a major change to the show’s format in series 20. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by viewers, but in Claude Littner’s eyes, it’s what the candidates deserve.
It’s been 20 years since Lord Sugar started firing and hiring aspiring entrepreneurs. He’s compared the BBC show to football: “The rules are the same every game, but something special happens every game.”
That’s why barely anything has changed (and why people have said The Apprentice is “dead”).
However, in addition to Sugar reusing old team names, there’s a key difference this time around.
Claude Littner speaks out after The Apprentice takes away rewards
Usually, the winning team would get a “treat”. It could be anything from an experience day (abseiling, go-karting, and indoor skydiving, that sort of thing) to a meal in a luxury restaurant. They were sometimes a bit naff, but it was a longstanding part of the show.
This year, whether you win or lose, you go back to the house (as long as you don’t get fired).
Littler, one of Sugar’s most reliable advisers, gave a savage response to the complaints about the removal of the team rewards.
My take on this issue is based on current performances. None of the candidates deserve a treat!
I would send them to bed without a bedtime story or a lullaby. https://t.co/31yhAvOsyD— Claude Littner (@claudelittner) February 14, 2026
“My take on this issue is based on current performances. None of the candidates deserve a treat,” he wrote on X.
“I would send them to bed without a bedtime story or a lullaby.”
Littner takes aim at “retrograde” change and this year’s candidates
Littner (who will presumably appear later in the series for the semi-final interviews) doesn’t appear to be impressed by series 20’s candidates.
In response to someone calling it a “rubbish series”, he wrote: “Just hope genuine talent emerges.”
Kieran McCartney was singled out, with Littner calling him “obnoxious” after episode 2. “He has to go,” he added.
As last week’s episode aired, he tweeted: “Another fine mess! No teamwork, expertise, common sense, or… functioning brain cells!”
I couldn't possibly say! https://t.co/Zu6OeqQwxC
— Claude Littner (@claudelittner) February 8, 2026
He also responded to general criticisms of the new series, suggesting that people “persevere” even if they haven’t been enjoying the first episodes.
“The Apprentice is sometimes slow at the start until the real prospects emerge,” he wrote.
Littner also commented on the changes to post-episode show. It used to be You’re Fired, most recently hosted by Tom Allen, featuring interviews with the cast and celebrities all in front of a live audience.
Now, it’s been transformed into Unfinished Business, a podcast-style after-show in the vein of The Traitors Uncloaked.
“Feels like a retrograde step. Prior format was fun for the audience, invited celebs, fired candidates, and their families,” Littner wrote.
