BBC The Apprentice behind the scenes secrets - 'losers cafe' detail to day off filming (original) (raw)

The Apprentice filming schedule, £500 suits budget and what really happens in the losers cafe exposed by a former candidate

The Apprentice has graced television screens for more than 20 years.

The BBC favourite first launched in 2005, with its 20th series now broadcasting to audiences.

Last week saw estate agent Kieran McCartney exit the contest after failing his "win or walk" agreement with business mogul Lord Alan Sugar.

Following his elimination before reaching the Final Five, Kieran has revealed insights into what happens off-camera.

Many viewers may be unaware that contestants must provide their own wardrobes, with stringent behind-the-scenes guidelines and "unspoken" customs ensuring everyone appears camera-ready, reports the Mirror.

Production teams firmly recommend that participants opt for striking, solid shades as these translate better on screen.

Audiences frequently witness female hopefuls wearing eye-catching primary-coloured fitted dresses while male contestants favour well-cut suits.

The standard "uniform" generally features pencil skirts, fitted trousers and stilettos for women, while men maintain crisp suits, although some add personality through bright socks.

Kieran verified: "You have to bring your own suits. They give you £500 towards suits but you got to bring everything else yourself."

Weekly, the unsuccessful team makes their way to the notorious The Bridge café, where disappointed hopefuls analyse their shortcomings over hot drinks while the victorious squad returns to their accommodation.

The café operates as a genuine establishment located in Acton, London, and has become a notable destination for devotees of the programme. Discussing his experience in the notorious "losers cafe", Kieran revealed: "You're in there for about an hour.

"It's not the best coffee I've ever had. It's instant coffee."

While viewers follow the drama unfold across a 12-week period, the actual filming schedule is significantly more compact.

Lord Sugar's adviser Karren Brady has previously disclosed that the entire series is squeezed into just five weeks, with Kieran confirming that contestants do receive breaks from filming.

He explained: "The task is two days, the Boardroom is one day and then you have a day off so it's three days filming then one day off and then start again."

Regarding their limited free time, he added: "On the days off we could go for a little wander but we were accompanied by a member of the team so you got no freedom really.

"We'd get haircuts or sit in a café somewhere and have a coffee but never alone."

Kieran McCartney was speaking to BestBettingSites.co.uk - the leading comparison site for casino sites and The Apprentice is available to watch on BBC iPlayer