BBC The Apprentice star hits out at show over 'unfair' edit: 'Made me look like a different person!'

Lydia Davies
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:12:10 +0000

Kieran McCartney, who is a candidate on this season's The Apprentice, has exclusively hit out at the show’s editing, claiming it portrayed him as “a different person” from who he really is.

The reality star has told the People's Channel that he felt the programme’s portrayal did not reflect his true personality, particularly in the early episodes.

“I think they started a big character arc for me. I started off being like, I've got to watch what I say here," Mr McCartney began.

"It made me look a different person to who I am, and now me, my actual self is finally coming out,” he said.

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“I believe so,” he said when asked if his true self is better than what viewers first saw.

He singled out the Hong Kong episode as a turning point, claiming the edit left him looking “quite stupid, quite dumb, quite arrogant.”

“That’s not me. I'm the most thoughtful person that there was in the house,” he insisted.

Despite his criticism, the TV star admitted he believes producers intentionally shape narratives to create compelling television.

He said: "They kind of obviously had a plan, and to be fair, the plan worked."

The businessman also suggested that contestants are deliberately placed in difficult situations to create friction.

“I feel like they do choose weaknesses from the team, and they obviously put people together that don't work well together… to try and cause a bit of friction,” he explained.

Mr McCartney revealed that life behind the scenes was far more restrictive than viewers might expect, describing strict rules and limited freedom during filming.

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“I thought you'd have a lot more freedom. It's quite strict… to the fact, you know, you're in Hong Kong, you don't get to go roam the streets, you don't get to have fun, which was annoying because you fly all that way to be locked in a hotel room,” he said.

The contestant added that even simple pleasures were off limits, saying: “No drinking. I just thought you'd be able to have a beer with the boys when you get home and stuff like that, but no, it doesn't work like that.”

Despite the intense environment on screen, Mr McCartney insisted relations between contestants were far more amicable in reality.

“We've all got a nice little group chat that we all talk on. We meet up every week to watch the show,” he said.

"Everyone's friends, no one hates each other.”

However, he did admit to clashing with fellow contestant Andrea, explaining: “She's so negative, and I'm so positive. Opposites sadly do not attract. Not in this case.”

The businessman also raised eyebrows with his bold on-screen antics, including a dramatic “win or walk” pact with Lord Alan Sugar.

“I thought I was going home, so it's kind of a last resort,” he said.

Mr McCartney also confirmed he has since had tattoos of Lord Sugar, Karren Brady and Tim Campbell inked on his leg to commemorate his experience.

When asked how the trio felt about it, he responded: “I don't know if I'd use the word flattered. I'd probably say more concerned."

Looking ahead, the Estate Agent said he is keen to build a career in television alongside growing his business, even joking he could one day replace Lord Sugar.

“It's got to be Karren Brady. She's just going to have to move over one, and then I'll replace her. That'd be hilarious,” he said.

He added that he would “absolutely” return to reality TV, saying: “I think it's hilarious… that's kind of the route I want to go down now. I want my own show.”

Mr McCartney addressed the backlash he has received during the series and urged others to speak out about their struggles.

He said: “I've had a lot of bad publicity recently, but I've been very honest with my answers."

“Men's mental health and mental health as a whole are really important. So please talk to someone. It will help.”

Mr McCartney was speaking to GB News on behalf of BestBettingSites.co.uk, the leading comparison site for casino sites.