BBC The Apprentice star shares unexpected wish for Lord Sugar replacement: 'She's scary!'

Lydia Davies
Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:00:01 +0000

Kieran McCartney, who is a candidate on this season's The Apprentice, has exclusively revealed his choice to replace Lord Alan Sugar on the popular BBC show.

The contestant, who has become one of the standout personalities in this year’s series, told GB News he believes that one of Lord Sugar's trusted aids would be the perfect successor to the long-running host.

When asked who could step into Lord Sugar’s role in the future, Mr McCartney said: “It's got to be Karen Brady. She's just going to have to move over one, and then I'll replace her. That'd be hilarious.”

The Estate Agent went on to praise the businesswoman, who has been a key aide on the BBC show for years, describing her as "scary", yet warm beneath the surface.

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“Yeah, she's lovely. She is what she comes across like, you know, she's very strong. She's a very strong, independent woman.

"She's scary, but you kind of break down her barriers, and she's really a big softy inside. A bit like Lord Sugar.”

The TV star's comments come as speculation continues over whether Lord Sugar could eventually step down from the hit BBC programme after two decades at the helm.

Despite joking about replacing him himself, the reality star admitted he had limited interaction with the business tycoon away from the boardroom.

“You don't really get to see him off-camera. He's normally got his little bodyguard with him, but he's quite a nice guy.

"He's got a lot of banter. I quite enjoy speaking to him, firing a few jokes back at him, which I don't think he gets very often, so I think he quite likes me. I'm sure he does.”

However, he confirmed they have not been in touch since filming wrapped, adding: “No, I haven't, sadly. He doesn't like me that much, does he?”

The entrepreneur also reflected on his unconventional way of marking his time on the show, revealing he has tattoos of Lord Sugar, Karren Brady and Tim Campbell inked on his leg.

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“Flattered, I don't know if I'd use the word flattered. I'd probably say more concerned,” he joked, adding that none of them had responded after he tagged them on Instagram.

Mr McCartney also opened up about the realities of filming the high-pressure series, admitting it was far stricter than he expected.

“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.

He also revealed contestants are banned from drinking during the process, adding: “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 on-screen clashes, Mr McCartney insisted relationships between contestants are far more positive behind the scenes.

“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.”

Looking ahead, the TV personality said he is keen to pursue a future in television alongside his business ambitions, admitting he would happily return to reality TV.

“Yeah, I absolutely love it. I think it's hilarious. That's kind of the route I want to go down now. I want my own show,” he said.

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