The Apprentice is set to return for a new celebrity special in 2025, and it’s rumoured the line-up has been leaked with former EastEnders actor Jake Wood taking part

The One Show’s Angela Scanlon has signed up for the celebrity version of The Apprentice as the hit series marks its 20th anniversary.

Angela, who also hosts weekend shows on Virgin Radio, will be joined by pillow and bed salesman Tom Skinner, a contestant in 2019. Other well-known names to compete in the Christmas-themed charity special are yet to be officially revealed, but former EastEnders actor Jake Wood and Rob Rinder are reported to have signed up.The contestants will all start by being given the sack… as they head off to Lapland to help Santa. Strictly Come Dancing star Angela, 41, will bring her keen eye for interior design and fashion. Tom, 34 – famed for his Cockney accent and “Bosh” catchphrase – ran The Fluffy Pillow Company and started Bosh Beds in the pandemic. We revealed in December that the BBC spin-off will return after six years as The Apprentice celebrates its milestone.

Jake Wood will be making an appearance on the show ( 
Image:
PA)

Angela will be joining the show as it celebrates its 20th anniversary
The 10 celebrities will fly to Lapland in Finland, tasked with helping Santa and his elves make a Christ­­mas top-seller. A source said: “Lord Sugar will be sending them to Lapland to get a brief from Santa. Hiring for the one-off is underway – and there will be the usual firing that we love the show for.”

The charity special will air later this year. Keeping tight-lipped about the show, which is still under wraps, Lord Sugar said: “There has been talk of it. They’re quite fun, we all do it for charity. I’m quite open about who gets to take part, as long as the production team don’t choose Boris Johnson.”

The last special, in 2019, featured comics Omid Djalili and Russell Kane, interior designer Kelly Hoppen and EastEnder Tameka Empson. The 48-hour challenge to run a cabaret night was won by the girls’ team after Loose Women ’s Ayda Field roped in husband Robbie Williams.

Tom was a contestant in 2019Celebrity Apprentice typically sees the celebrity contestants divided into two teams and competing in a single task. It was reported towards the end of last year that its return would included a Christmas theme. It was suggested that the show will see the cast flown to Lapland in Finland and then make products to sell back in the UK.

Discussing the celebrity edition of the Apprentice, a source told the Mirror in November last year: “Lord Sugar will be sending them to Lapland to get a brief from Santa. Hiring for the new series is under way – and there will be the usual firing that we love the show for.” And it was suggested that “the 20th anniversary special” would air in late 2025.

Lord Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell are currently back with the 19th series.