Apprentice 2013 candidates and first task revealed

Lord Sugar returns with his fire finger and set of shiny new contestants hoping to become this year’s ‘The Apprentice.’

Although the winner no longer gets a job as such, they will get the title of ‘The Apprentice 2013’ with a sprinkling of £250,000 of Sugar’s money as investment into a business. Lord Sugar, once known as Suralan, is joined by his trusted advisers Nick Hewer and Karren Brady.

The first task kicks off at midnight, as you do, by getting the candidates to sell a shipping container loaded with goods to London’s trade in just one day. As usual the team that makes the most money from the day’s sale will win, the other will lose  – obviously.

“This process is not about a job, it is about me ploughing £250,000 into a business. This is an unbelievable opportunity. For me to choose you, you’ve got to be brilliant.” – Lord Sugar

The Girls

> Francesca MacDuff-Varley, 32, Dance and Entertainment Entrepreneur

> Jaz Ampaw-Farr, 41, Literacy and Education Company Director

> Leah Totton, 24, Doctor

> Luisa Zissman, 25, Retail Entrepreneur

> Natalie Panayi, 30, Recruitment Manager

> Rebecca Slater, 35, Medical Rep

> Sophie Lau, 22, Restaurateur

> Uzma Yakoob, 32, Entrepreneur and Make-Up Brand Owner

Francesca is a classically trained dancer and says she is prepared to “fight to the death” to win the show. Jaz is a big believer, not beliber, in education and claims she is “half machine.” Leah is a Northern Irish lass and passionate about medicine and health – and i should hope so being a doctor!

Luica says: “I have the energy of a Duracell bunny, sex appeal of Jessica Rabbit, and a brain like Einstein.” Can’t help think that quote will come back to haunt her. Natalie says her passions include fashion and money and has a habit of interupting people. Rebecca insists she is very impatient and lists Mary Portas as inspirational business figures.

Sophie has the ability to “think outside the box” – don’t we all love. “I don’t have a multi-million pound business but what I do have is the raw talent, the drive and the competitive streak.” Uzma set up a non-profit organisation to help women reach out to one another in times of need and lists being nominated for an Asian Women of Achievement Awards as one of her greatest business achievements.

The Boys

> Alex Mills, 22, Company Director

> Jason Leech, 29, Historian and Property Entrepreneur

> Jordan Poulton, 26, Business Analyst

> Kurt Wilson, 26, Health Drink Entrepreneur and Health & Safety Manager

> Myles Mordaunt, 39, Marketing Company Co-Founder

> Neil Clough, 32, Regional Manager – Soccer Centres

> Tim Stillwell, 23, Mexican Food Entrepreneur

> Zeeshaan Shah, 27, CEO of Property Investment Company

Alex began life as a housekeeper in a hotel and says he is an old head on young shoulders. Jason gloats that he has never been formally employed adding: “I just feel my effortless superiority will take me all the way.” Jordan says he finds it difficult to ask for help but says:  I know what it’s like to struggle to feed kids and I know what it’s like to fly in a private jet.”

Kurt’s first job was washing dishes as a kitchen porter and describes himself as an alpha male. For me, anyone who needs to describe themselves that is not alpha male. Myles has lived in Monaco for the past 10 years and says he is “business perfection personified.” Neil is a big Manchester United supporter and is “here to win” – obviously.

Tim is passionate about food and describes himself as happy-go-lucky, energetic and with a ‘never give up’ attitude, though admits he can lack focus – well he’s fooked then. Zeeshaan is looking to conquer the opponents saying: “I’m a ‘Great’ of my generation. I’m an innovator and leader in business. I take inspiration from Napoleon; I am here to conquer.”

The Apprentice returns Tuesday 7 May 2013 at 9pm on BBC One

[Written by Shaun Linden]