The Apprentice (British series 2)

The second series of British reality television series The Apprentice (UK) was broadcast in the UK on BBC Two, from 22 February to 10 May 2006. Following the success of the previous series, the BBC commissioned additional episodes of the programme, along with ordering the creation of a new companion discussion programme titled The Apprentice: You're Fired!, which was aimed at being aired on BBC Three alongside the main programme's broadcast schedule. A special titled "Tim in the Firing Line", focusing on Tim Campbell's life after winning the first series, aired on 19 February 2006 and preceded this series' premiere. Alongside the standard twelve episodes of the series, it is the only series to not feature any specials being aired alongside its broadcast.

The Apprentice
Season 2
Promo group shot of Alan Sugar standing before the candidates for series 2
Starring
Country of originUK
No. of episodes12
Release
Original networkBBC Two
Original release22 February (2006-02-22) –
10 May 2006 (2006-05-10)
Series chronology

Fourteen candidates took part in the second series, with Michelle Dewberry becoming the overall winner. Excluding the special, the series averaged around 4.43 million viewers during its broadcast. A year after it had concluded, a candidate later raised a complaint against the BBC for their portrayal in the second series, which was refuted due to contradicting evidence from the broadcaster and production staff.

Series overview

Following favourable ratings and viewing figures for the first series, the BBC commissioned additional episodes of The Apprentice, with Alan Sugar, Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford returning to assume their roles within the programme and aid in production of the second series. One request made of production staff by the broadcaster was that a companion discussion show be created to air alongside it. This led to the creation of The Apprentice: You're Fired!, a sister show that would air on BBC Three and operate within a similar format to spin-off sister shows like Big Brother's Little Brother and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.[1] The search for a host for this programme led to chief football presenter Adrian Chiles being offered the role, with his acceptance revealed prior to the second series' premiere episode.

As with the first series, production staff and researchers went through applications made by those who sought to participate in the programme, until around fourteen candidates, consisting of the same balanced mix of genders, were informed in Summer 2005 that they had landed a place in the final line-up for the second series. Filming began later that year in Autumn, with the first task seeing the men name their team Invicta, while the women named their team Velocity. Although candidates faced a similar setup of tasks with only subtle changes to what these involved, one notable difference was that the Interviews stage was overseen by Paul Kemsley, Claude Littner, and Bordan Tkachuk, who returned to assume their roles, as it was decided that Hewer and Mountford would mainly supply feedback on observations over past tasks during discussions between Sugar and the interviewers. As with the previous series, the candidates faced a charity-based task, which this time featured a reward as done on similar tasks in the American original, before the use of it was discontinued following the conclusion of the series' broadcast.

This series is the first in the show's history to feature the iconic sequence involving the winner departing in Sugar's personal Rolls-Royce, giving a brief interview on their success, a sequence that was created to purely emphasise their victory on the programme as the overall winner. Of those who took part, Michelle Dewberry would become the eventual winner of this series,[2] and go on to briefly take up a post under Sugar following its conclusion, leaving in September 2006 following a series of personal problems.[3][4][5] Throughout its filming, prior to it being edited and prepared for broadcast, Sugar voiced issues to the production staff with the programme's format at the time – due to the number of candidates taking part against the number of episodes for the series, he was not allowed to fire more than one candidate in any task prior to the Interviews stage, despite the fact that two of the tasks featured outcomes where he felt more than one candidate deserved to be fired by him. Staff eventually reviewed the format after the production and broadcast of the second series, which led to eventual changes when work began on the third series.

Candidates
Candidate Background Age Result
Michelle Dewberry Telecoms Consultant 26 Winner
Ruth Badger Sales Manager 27 Runner-up
Ansell Henry Sales Manager 34 Fired after Interviews stage
Paul Tulip Headhunter 26
Syed Ahmed Entrepreneur 31 Fired after tenth task
Tuan Le Financial Adviser 27 Fired after ninth task
Sharon McAllister Business Lecturer 30 Fired after eighth task
Samuel Judah Product Developer 35 Fired after seventh task
Jo Cameron Human Resources Manager 35 Fired after sixth task
Mani Sandher Management Consultant 39 Fired after fifth task
Alexa Tilley Management Consultant 28 Fired after fourth task
Karen Bremner Lawyer 34 Fired after third task
Nargis Ara PhD Student 38 Fired after second task
Ben Stanberry IT Consultant 33 Fired after first task

Performance chart
Candidate Task Number
123456789101112
Michelle ININININININLOSEINWINININHIRED
Ruth ININININLOSEINBRWINBRBRINRUNNER-UP
Ansell INININININLOSEININININFIRED
Paul ININININWINININININWINFIRED
Syed BRINWINBRINININLOSEBRFIRED
Tuan INININBRININWINBRFIRED
Sharon INININININWININFIRED
Samuel BRWININININBRFIRED
Jo INBRLOSEINBRFIRED
Mani INININWINFIRED
Alexa ININBRFIRED
Karen WINBRFIRED
Nargis INFIRED
Ben FIRED

Key:

  The candidate won this series of The Apprentice.
  The candidate was the runner-up.
  The candidate won as project manager on his/her team, for this task.
  The candidate lost as project manager on his/her team, for this task.
  The candidate was on the winning team for this task / they passed the Interviews stage.
  The candidate was on the losing team for this task.
  The candidate was brought to the final boardroom for this task.
  The candidate was fired in this task.
  The candidate lost as project manager for this task and was fired.

Episodes
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions) [6]
151"Fruit and Veg"[7]22 February 2006 (2006-02-22)3.65
Sir Alan Sugar begins a new search for an apprentice for 2006 amongst fourteen new candidates. For their first task, they must purchase produce within a budget of £500, before up-selling their stock for a profit around Hackney. The women opt for a strategy of purchasing overripe fruit and vegetables, acquiring these for low prices and making good sales with them at both a market and going door-to-door. The men focus mainly on fruit and selling at a market, but make less money due to spending over half their budget and focusing on door-to-door sales at a late hour. In the boardroom, Sir Alan disapproves of Velocity's tactics, despite their strategy winning them the task. For the losing team, Ben Stanberry becomes the first to be fired for his poor leadership and his lack of knowledge on locating markets for products.
162"Calendar Club"[8]1 March 2006 (2006-03-01)3.51
The teams take on the job of raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, each designing a themed calendar and pitching it to retailers as a test of their creative and pitching skills. Velocity opt for calendars featuring photos of kittens, receiving orders from all retailers, yet face criticism for their concept's design and relevance to the charity, alongside poor pitching skills from one member. Invicta opt for calendars featuring pictures of children in fun costumes, facing similar issues on the design and the pitching skills of one of its members, yet secure a large order from one retailer. Velocity soon face criticism over their performance when their sales figures are less than Invicta's, with Nargis Ara blamed for contributing to this and being dismissed as a result, over her behaviour on the task, lacking proper creativity, and ignoring concerns on the calendar's design and her pitching skills.
173"Buying the Tyre"[9]8 March 2006 (2006-03-08)4.20
Sir Alan has a new shopping list of ten items to be found, testing each team's negotiating skills on sourcing and bargaining for the best deal with each purchase. Invicta manage to secure all the required items, but waste time hunting one item down and rush most purchases through with little negotiations for discounts. Velocity manage to negotiate low prices on most of their purchases, but waste time researching where to find what they sought, faced issues with a problematic member, and failed to secure one of the required items. Their strategy soon proves to be ineffective when their costs are totalled and found to be higher than Invicta's, failing them on the task. Questions amongst the final three soon leave Karen Bremner being ejected from the process for contributing to the team's loss, alongside her unappealing background and skill set.
184"A Hundred Chickens"[10]15 March 2006 (2006-03-15)4.11
Both teams find themselves cooking up a tasty treat for visitors to the Thames Festival, with each seeking to manage costs while ensuring their food attracts reasonable profits. Velocity opt for selling noodles from a Chinese themed stall, controlling their costs and setting up a strong pricing strategy that leaves them with a reasonable profit, despite arguments between the team and their leader. Invicta focus on serving up pizza, but struggle throughout the task due to an overspend on ingredients, disorganisation and arguments between members, and a lack of sales strategy. Velocity win the task from making a profit against Invicta's performance creating a loss. Amongst the losing team, Alexa Tilley is dismissed for being an ineffective leader, lacking proper control over the team and costs, and for displaying no decision making initiative.
195"The Amsair Card"[11]22 March 2006 (2006-03-22)4.03
Sir Alan has developed a new venture for business flights – the Amsair Card – and instructs each team to come up with a promotional campaign for it, including a video and billboard advert, pitching their concept to advertising experts. Velocity opt for a clear strategy of promoting the card's features, but face criticism on over-emphasising one aspect of the venture, along with creating an unimpressive promotional campaign. Invicta focus on a theme for their promotion that demonstrates each aspect of the card, yet despite some delays with production of their video advert, their campaign is praised for being close to what is required. With Velocity losing the task, the discussion in the boardroom focuses on their execution of the task. Amongst the losing members, Mani Sandher is eventually fired for his ineffective contributions on all tasks and his display of arrogant behaviour.
206"Second-Hand Cars"[12]29 March 2006 (2006-03-29)4.45
The teams find their ability to sell put to the test, as each work to make commissions from the sale of second-hand cars and extras. Invicta manage good sales on extras, thanks to strong salespeople, but face issues from a weak team leader and a poor decision on promoting their products. Veloctiy manage good sales on cars, but faced issues selling their extras due to ineffective sales skills by members handling these. The review of commissions soon reveal that Invicta's strong sellers on the extras secure them victory, leaving Velocity to face questions on the lack of focus on these. Amongst the losing team, Jo Cameron becomes the next to leave the process over her failure to sell, alongside the difficulty faced by candidates in working with her.
217"Selling in Topshop"[13]5 April 2006 (2006-04-05)4.26
Selling a new line of clothing in Topshop is the order of business for the next task, as each sell new lines in their own retail space. Invicta focus on lines designed around the navy and modern Oriental, managing a steady strategy and creating an appealing display set up. Velocity focus on lines designed around Goths and aviation, but lack a clear strategy that leaves several members creating mistakes and problems for the team. Their sales figures in the end soon raise serious criticism over the productivity and sales skills of each team member, while Invicta are praised for their performance. Amongst the final three, Samuel Judah is ultimately fired over his track record in the process and his lack of marketing skills on the task.
228"Selling to the Trade"[14]12 April 2006 (2006-04-12)4.58

Candidates find themselves looking for an innovative product that could do well, with each team pitching their choices to retailers. Velocity focus on a marketing strategy of securing further contacts to sell their choice of products, increasing their sales figures as a result. Invicta focus on selling their choices to a major retailer chain, against strong advice in the briefing, leaving them to face a fine for arriving back in the boardroom late, which cancelled out a portion of their sales income. Velocity secure victory from their efforts, leaving Invicta to face criticism over their performance. Of the final three, Sharon McAllister is fired for being the weakest member of the team, selling the least, and for displaying a personality not suitable for business.

Note: A segment recorded for this episode was cut out in the final edit.[15]
239"Property Sales"[16]19 April 2006 (2006-04-19)4.76
Entering the rental market, both teams each face the challenge of earning commission by closing deals on rental properties across London. Veloctiy focus on making individual sales and maintain close communication amongst themselves, with their strategy proving effective with potential renters. Invicta manage decent sales amongst the team, yet face problems from a weak team leader and an ineffective salesperson. A review of their performances soon reveals that Velocity secured the most commissions, leaving members of Invicta to face an in-depth review of their performance. Amongst the losing members, Sir Alan deems Tuan Le as the main culprit behind their loss, firing him for his poor leadership, and lacking the passion displayed by his teammates for selling properties.
2410"Moet & Chandon"[17]26 April 2006 (2006-04-26)4.68
Brought aboard the Grand Princess as it travels between Istanbul and Naples, each team is tasked with providing a special event for passengers in which success comes from good sales and customer sanctification. Velocity opt for a dance classes with a cash-prize competition alongside it, maintaining a firm organisation of their popular event to secure good ratings and income from passengers. Invicta host events above deck and across the ship for the day, but face issues from poor organisational skill and an overspend on gifts. A review of feedback and profits soon find Invicta's events were poorly conceived, compared to Velocity's, leaving them facing the boardroom. Amongst the remaining members, Syed Ahmed is held accountable for organising a selection of unpopular events, alongside several mistakes in previous tasks, which promptly lead to him being fired after he becomes less appealing to Sir Alan during discussions.
2511"Interviews"[18]3 May 2006 (2006-05-03)4.98
After facing ten tasks as teams, the four remaining candidates now compete as individuals in their next task – a series of tough, gruelling interviews with three of Sir Alan's most trusted associates. Each member faces scrutiny over their backgrounds, work experience and performance within the process when questioned by the interviewers. Feedback to Sir Alan, alongside observations by his aides, leads him to deciding to fire Paul Tulip for his display of arrogance and immaturity in interviews, and Ansell Henry for displaying a lack of leadership qualities. Of the remaining two, Ruth Badger demonstrates a level of intelligence most suitable for Sir Alan, while Michelle Dewberry demonstrates a clear committal to her work and a number of positive traits in her background.
2612"The Final"[19]10 May 2006 (2006-05-10)5.95
After facing a multitude of business tasks and a tough interview, the two finalists now face one more challenge – with help from old friends, each must host an evening event at London's Tower Bridge, coming up with their own theme for it. Ruth focuses on a murder mystery theme, managing her team efficiently and receiving an attractive amount of sales. Michelle focuses on a James Bond themed casino night, but faces issues from in-fighting between returning members and lower sales figures after a firm reorganisation of her team. Reviewing their performances, Sir Alan contends that Michelle Dewberry was a much stronger all-around candidate and makes her his new apprentice for 2006, leaving Ruth Badger to become the runner-up over concerns towards displaying no other skills than a focus on sales.

Criticism

Mani Sandher portrayal claim

In 2007, a year after the second series had been aired, Mani Sandher filed a complaint against the BBC, criticising them for his portrayal on The Apprentice, on grounds that he been unfairly treated by the broadcaster. The BBC Trust investigated the complaint and later rejected the accusations. Their findings pointed out that Sandher was aware that the programme was subject to editing after filming, and that this had been done to an acceptable standard that was not misleading per Ofcom's broadcasting codes. Although Sandher later attempted to appeal against the Trust's decision on his complaint, the Editorial Complaints Unit of the BBC dismissed this.[20]

Ratings

Official episode viewing figures are from BARB.[6]

Episode
no.		AirdateViewers
(millions)		BBC Two
weekly ranking
122 February 20063.652
21 March 20063.512
38 March 20064.201
415 March 20064.111
522 March 20064.032
629 March 20064.451
75 April 20064.261
812 April 20064.581
919 April 20064.761
1026 April 20064.681
113 May 20064.981
1210 May 20065.951

Specials

EpisodeAirdateViewers
(millions)		BBC Two
weekly ranking
Tim in the
Firing Line		19 February 20062.2625

References
  1. "Spinoff show planned for next UK 'Apprentice'". Digital Spy. 10 December 2005. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  2. "Ex-cashier wins TV's Apprentice". BBC News. 10 May 2006. Retrieved 11 May 2006.
  3. "Apprentice winner quits prize job". BBC News. 24 September 2006. Retrieved 28 September 2006.
  4. Taylor, Matthew (2 October 2006). "Four months after Sir Alan said: 'You're hired', Apprentice star tells him: 'I'm off'". The Guardian. London.
  5. "Apprentice winners through the years – and where they are now". Daily Star. 1 October 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  6. "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  7. "Episode 1, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  8. "Episode 2, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  9. "Episode 3, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  10. "Episode 4, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  11. "Episode 5, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  12. "Episode 6, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  13. "Episode 7, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  14. "Episode 8, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  15. Teeman, Tim (10 May 2006). "There's only one Apprentice". The Times. London. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  16. "Episode 9, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  17. "Episode 10, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  18. "Episode 11, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  19. "The Final, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  20. "Apprentice hopeful's claim rejected". BBC. 21 June 2007. Retrieved 21 June 2007.
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