The Apprentice is Back: Austrian Adventure Leads to First Firing (BBC One, Thursday, January 30, 2025)

The Apprentice Key Art

Forget the waltzes and Sachertorte, the real drama in Austria this week revolves around Lord Sugar’s latest batch of aspiring tycoons. In the Season 19 premiere of “The Apprentice,” the candidates are thrust into the cutthroat world of Alpine tourism, and let’s just say some of them are better suited to scaling mountains than dealing with the intricacies of customer service. Their task? To concoct and flog bespoke tours showing the best (and possibly the worst) of Austrian hospitality.

Naturally, the challenge swiftly descends into chaos. Sales targets are missed with the precision of a drunken yodeler, negotiations turn aggressive, and alliances crumble faster than a day-old Linzer torte. One particularly ill-fated team manages to offend both tourists and locals with equal aplomb, proving that cultural sensitivity isn’t exactly their forte. Another team, convinced they’ve cracked the code to tourist bliss, ends up stranded in a picturesque village with all the charm of a deserted ski lodge.

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While some candidates demonstrate a surprising knack for schmoozing and deal-making, others reveal a staggering lack of business acumen, leading to some truly cringe-worthy moments. One hapless soul attempts to barter for discounted gondola tickets with a lifetime supply of Kendal mint cake, a strategy that predictably goes nowhere.

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As the sun sets over the Austrian Alps, the teams return to the boardroom to face Lord Sugar’s icy stare. Accusations fly, excuses are offered with the flimsiest of justifications, and the first firing of the season looms large. Who will be the first to hear those dreaded words, “You’re fired”? Tune in to find out.

“The Apprentice” airs on BBC One, Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 9:00 PM.

Mia Silva is a talented entertainment reporter whose passion for storytelling and diverse background (half Mexican, half English) adds a unique perspective to her coverage. With a keen eye for detail and an accessible, direct and witty style, she brings the latest features, news and previews to our avid readers.