TV

The Apprentice candidates ‘banned from using calculators and can only use phones with producer’s permission’


The Apprentice stars are banned from using calculators and phones (Picture: BBC/Metro.co.uk)

Ever wondered why candidates on The Apprentice opt for adding up numbers using their heads rather than reaching for their phones for help?

Well, it turns out contestants on the BBC series are prohibited from using devices during a task – unless they have permission from one of the show’s bosses, but that’s only so they can make a call.

Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, series 12 participant Dillon St Paul lifted the lid on what happens behind-the-scenes and told us: ‘We absolutely weren’t allowed to use calculators or our personal phones.

‘Each team and sub-team were assigned a phone so that they could communicate with each other but you had to get permission from top execs via your producer-director to make that call.’

He continued: ‘Sometimes they wouldn’t allow you to call them for a multitude of reasons. You can’t just call as you feel like it.’

Dillon added that all calls have to be made on speakerphone and text messages were a huge no-no.

Dillon (middle) revealed how The Apprentice candidates are banned from using phones (Picture: Dillon St Paul)

‘If it doesn’t happen on camera it didn’t happen,’ he said.

Metro.co.uk has contacted The Apprentice for comment. 

Lord Alan Sugar is currently seeking his next business partner with the help of Karren Brady and Claude Littner with the show airing its 15th series.

There’s already been a load of drama behind-the-scenes too, with ex-contestant Kenna Ngoma revealing to us that the candidates’ WhatsApp group was ‘shutdown’ by the show’s bosses after Lottie Lion’s ‘racist’ message was revealed to the public.

‘We just weren’t allowed to be honest,’ Kenna said.

‘We were being naughty to be honest. It’s fine [for us] to interact on social media, so we all just agreed to stay in contact on there.’

He added: ‘You can see on social media we’re always supporting each other, liking each other’s tweets, commenting. I’m friends with most of them.’

The Apprentice airs Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One.



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