Tuesday 3 April 2007
Repeat reminder...
Just to remind anyone who missed the first screening of the first episode of the new series last Wednesday, it is being repeated tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm on BBC TWO, or even if you want to relive last week's great episode again, give it another watch!
Michael Parkinson slams The Apprentice
The Mirror have reported that Michael Parkinson has hit out at The Apprentice after a trailer was aired on his Radio 2 show.
The Mirror article reads :
Parky, 72, hit out after a trailer for The Apprentice was aired on his show.
He said: "I have an aversion to that programme. I find it very distasteful. It's full of vulgar, loud people who, for all the wrong reasons, are dobbing each other in."
Parkinson, right, said of Sir Alan: "When he tells someone 'You're fired' what's funny about that? You're fired. There's nothing funny about that."
Parky loves a good moan thesedays. Maybe its because The Apprentice is rising in the ratings battle while hardly no one watches his show anymore? Not everyone wants to watch Billy Connolly or Dame Edna do the same thing on his show every series.
The Mirror article reads :
Parky, 72, hit out after a trailer for The Apprentice was aired on his show.
He said: "I have an aversion to that programme. I find it very distasteful. It's full of vulgar, loud people who, for all the wrong reasons, are dobbing each other in."
Parkinson, right, said of Sir Alan: "When he tells someone 'You're fired' what's funny about that? You're fired. There's nothing funny about that."
Parky loves a good moan thesedays. Maybe its because The Apprentice is rising in the ratings battle while hardly no one watches his show anymore? Not everyone wants to watch Billy Connolly or Dame Edna do the same thing on his show every series.
Monday 2 April 2007
The Apprentice Magazine!
I have finally got a release date for the first edition of the brand new Apprentice magazine. It will hit the shelves of all good newsagents on May 23rd.
Check the official magazine website out for more information!
Check the official magazine website out for more information!
Big twist for the next episode...
Expect a huge twist in the boardroom in episode 2 on Wednesday night. Expect a very angry and a very disappointed Sir Alan. You'll be shocked at what happens, that is all i'm going to say.
So make sure you tune in!
So make sure you tune in!
Sir Alan mood-meter!
Episode 1 - CALM.
Sir Alan was pretty calm in the series opener. He was just sussing the new candidates out one by one - he knows there is plenty of time to come down on them. The Sir Alan highlight was pulling Tre up, on the Boys team name, revealing that it was the name of a previous company Tre worked for.
I'm sure this mood-meter will be very different next week as you'll find out in the next entry...
Sir Alan was pretty calm in the series opener. He was just sussing the new candidates out one by one - he knows there is plenty of time to come down on them. The Sir Alan highlight was pulling Tre up, on the Boys team name, revealing that it was the name of a previous company Tre worked for.
I'm sure this mood-meter will be very different next week as you'll find out in the next entry...
Tim Campbell
Guardian Business have done it again with another fantastic interview, this time with Series 1 winner, Tim Campbell. It is an indepth interview with Tim, and covers his time in the show, to the present day where he has just left Amstrad and is now setting up his own business.
He has such a good attitude, and because of that, i'm sure he'll thrive in the business world with his own business.
You can read the article here.
He has such a good attitude, and because of that, i'm sure he'll thrive in the business world with his own business.
You can read the article here.
Interview with Nick and Margaret
Click here for a great interview with Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford, Sir Alan's eyes and ears at Guardian Business.
There are a few good laughs in that read, and proves to me that Nick and Margaret are the perfect assistants to Sir Alan and are loyal as they come to Sir Alan.
Nick's dry wit is now well and truly famous and it seems that Margaret can be just as scary as Sir Alan!
I hope your enjoy the article.
There are a few good laughs in that read, and proves to me that Nick and Margaret are the perfect assistants to Sir Alan and are loyal as they come to Sir Alan.
Nick's dry wit is now well and truly famous and it seems that Margaret can be just as scary as Sir Alan!
I hope your enjoy the article.
Episode 1 reaction
From what i've read, and heard back off the blog readers, everyone seemed to enjoy episode 1 of the new series. The big fear was the show 'selling out' for the big move to BBC ONE but it stuck to what it does and it pleased the viewers.
Every newspaper tv review I read poured heaps of praise on the show, especially on Sir Alan. Many have even said its worth the licence fee alone, which I totally agree with.
Tre Azam has made a lot of the headlines and some people may not like him but he is fantastic for the show, he'll give it an edge and it gets the press talking about the programme which then gets more people watching the show. The elements of good business, humour and madness could all be spotted in the first episode and it'll all blossom in the coming weeks.
I have been telling everyone I know who have not yet seen the show, to watch it. They watch it and love the intial draw of Sir Alan Sugar and then later, they appreciate the other parts of the show. Its such a watchable show thanks to the people at talkbackTHAMES who do a superb job at putting it all together and editing it to a high standard.
What did everyone think of the show? Did it match expectation?
Every newspaper tv review I read poured heaps of praise on the show, especially on Sir Alan. Many have even said its worth the licence fee alone, which I totally agree with.
Tre Azam has made a lot of the headlines and some people may not like him but he is fantastic for the show, he'll give it an edge and it gets the press talking about the programme which then gets more people watching the show. The elements of good business, humour and madness could all be spotted in the first episode and it'll all blossom in the coming weeks.
I have been telling everyone I know who have not yet seen the show, to watch it. They watch it and love the intial draw of Sir Alan Sugar and then later, they appreciate the other parts of the show. Its such a watchable show thanks to the people at talkbackTHAMES who do a superb job at putting it all together and editing it to a high standard.
What did everyone think of the show? Did it match expectation?
Episode #1 rating
I'm back folks. Sorry for the extended break but its been a busy couple of days.
I'm here with the rating of episode 1 of The Apprentice from last Wednesday. The show received a rating of 5.0m viewers, with a 22% share of the audience.
The first episode of the last series attracted only 2.5m so its a big leap, but the move to BBC ONE explains that. I expected a steady rating of something around 5m but the test is will the rating rise or not for the second episode? The Apprentice has always grown in numbers as the series goes on week by week so it is going to be very interesting.
The Apprentice is a like a bug, once you have watched it, you can't stop watching it. Word of mouth helps a show like The Apprentice too. I expect the rating to gradually rise in the coming weeks - especially when all the candidates are all well known,
The Apprentice - 'You're Fired!' on BBC TWO started with 2.1 million viewers and an 11% share which is really good for BBC TWO, and that was probably only watched by the die hard fans so this figure will pick up too when the casual viewers started getting involved with the show more.
They are encouraging numbers and the main thing is that The Apprentice won the 9pm-10pm slot out of all the channels, which will keep the Beeb happy.
I'm here with the rating of episode 1 of The Apprentice from last Wednesday. The show received a rating of 5.0m viewers, with a 22% share of the audience.
The first episode of the last series attracted only 2.5m so its a big leap, but the move to BBC ONE explains that. I expected a steady rating of something around 5m but the test is will the rating rise or not for the second episode? The Apprentice has always grown in numbers as the series goes on week by week so it is going to be very interesting.
The Apprentice is a like a bug, once you have watched it, you can't stop watching it. Word of mouth helps a show like The Apprentice too. I expect the rating to gradually rise in the coming weeks - especially when all the candidates are all well known,
The Apprentice - 'You're Fired!' on BBC TWO started with 2.1 million viewers and an 11% share which is really good for BBC TWO, and that was probably only watched by the die hard fans so this figure will pick up too when the casual viewers started getting involved with the show more.
They are encouraging numbers and the main thing is that The Apprentice won the 9pm-10pm slot out of all the channels, which will keep the Beeb happy.
Wednesday 28 March 2007
Episode #1
Wow. The Apprentice is back and in a big way.
The production values are the same, Sir Alan is the same and the usual character traits of past Apprentice candidates are all there, which will please all Apprentice purists. The show looks superb, those shots of London at night and the skyline of London all make it at home on BBC ONE. It felt like it was a BIG show tonight and that it finally made the big time but it stuck to its winning formula and it didn't sell out at all, which made me happy.
I love the shot they have of all the candidates walking across the bridge, the wind blowing in their faces, all walking towards the camera, its become an iconic feature of an opening episode of the show.
When they were deciding on naming the teams, I immediately thought back to the last series and the time it took to decide on a name (A-Team ring any bells?) and I hoped they all wouldn't decide too quickly as the naming team segment always delivers much hilarity and some conflict. You could tell Sophie was riled when her suggestion that Stealth meant slow, taking its time and that it wouldn't be a good reflection on the Girls Team and the other girls just basically didn't have any of it and still went ahead with the name.
I just knew Sir Alan would pick up on the Boys Team name when he was going to give them the brief for the first task. I love twists in the show, especially when Sir Alan sets them up. He really embarrassed Tre, when he revealed the story behind the team name - that was a company Tre used to work for. Good old Sir Alan, and I smirked when he turned around and just dropped the bombshell that the team leaders would be switched around. It was a huge development and Sir Alan did it in his own style which makes the show so good.
Would The Apprentice be as good without Sir Alan at the helm? I don't think so. He makes the show. He is the shows heart and he pumps the intensity into each and every one of the candidates. He is so intimdiating that if you were a candidate, you would just think during a task about the fear of facing Sir Alan in that boardroom as part of a losing team and that surely has to motivate you into a winning mentality.
Margaret and Nick are essential parts you have to remember. I think Nick should be used more. His reaction to the statement that 11 coffees were sold as it was a good thing was genius. Such dry wit, from one of the assistants just adds another factor. Both Nick and Margaret are not afraid to voice their opinion, and its obvious Sir Alan trusts them 100%, and it makes the operations of the show just flow really well. When a bad decision is in the process of being made, you can see both Nick and Margarets faces just show an utter look of shock and confusion. Thats when you know a bad decision has been made.
I couldn't help but laugh when Sir Alans helicopter landed on the heli-pad and all the candidates nearly went flying away due to the utter force of the wind. Adrian Chiles pointed out a cracker, when he noticed Andy wore a tie-pin and it still didn't do the job when the helicopter landed as Andy's tie nearly flew away into the Thames!
Tre Azam is quite a character. At first I thought he was going to be an absolute idiot as he couldn't shut up and he wouldn't listen but Jadine was absolutely unbearable as the episode wore on, and she was too harsh on Tre. Even though they won, Jadine should have just left the boys doing their trade in that prime spot on the high street where they were getting great sales. Jadine just created havoc between her and Tre, and she was too picky about having the Eclipse branding on top of every Cappuccino. Its only a one day task, its not like its a business starting up for the long term and they would need the product being noticable. Tre was right in what he was saying with Jadine but didn't help himself with his language. If Tre can calm down a little bit, and bite his lip when he is angered, he could go far. You can see potential clashes between Sir Alan and Tre down the line.
Jadines 'birthday performance' was quite something eh? I nearly had to walk out of the room, I was cringing so much. What was it all about?! I know you have to do some silly stuff to get those extras sales in The Apprentice but that was shocking, and laugh out loud material which the show is also famous for.
I think Andy Jackson was unlucky. He was obviously a nice bloke, and was really friendly but I don't think he had a structure set for the task. It all seemed like he was deciding on the spot, on the next move would be. I'm not sure if the editing went really against Andy. The mistakes added up, and only 1 person could get fired, and the easier option was Andy and sadly he went. There was no concrete plan, no real research, it was all too unprepared, and the project manager normally accounts for all those mistakes and thats why Andy went. Sophie made a big mistake with the purchasing but she held her hands up, her card will be marked with Sir Alan, he won't forget it, no chance. She needs an impressive performance next week.
I think the majority of the boys were too uneager to accept the project manager role - it was all too false that first discussion - they were all working each other out. I think they had witnessed what had happened in previous series and wanted to stay clear. Andy and Adam had their private chat and Andy did back down because maybe it had hit him what he might have been letting himself in for, but it would have looked good that he had offered to be the project manager. The boys then forced Andy into taking the role and you could see in Andys face that he felt threatened and that he was forced in the end into the role. The pressure then kicked in and it got to Andy. I felt so sorry for him in the boardroom as he was really genuine and on 'You're Fired!' he was good value. I hope he is stronger because of the experience and he does well in future life as he was a great bloke.
If you are reading Andy by any chance, please contact the blog via e-mail so people can send their wishes to you through the blog.
The task was a good one, but as it was the first episode, we didn't get to see much of the candidates. Rory, Paul, Lohit weren't featured that much, and for the girls, Natalie and Ghazal didn't get much screen time. Its because of the first 20 minutes was all introductions, but next week is when we get to the start of the real personalities coming out and the rivalries starting. Next week is when the real action kicks in.
I thought the episode was a great introduction and it had good, traditional Apprentice UK values. These introduction episodes are always hard to judge, but I have tried my best getting some details out of it. We'll find out more about the candidates as each episode goes by.
The dog task for next week looks fantastic and plenty of laughs are also expected. I can't wait.
The Apprentice is BACK!
The production values are the same, Sir Alan is the same and the usual character traits of past Apprentice candidates are all there, which will please all Apprentice purists. The show looks superb, those shots of London at night and the skyline of London all make it at home on BBC ONE. It felt like it was a BIG show tonight and that it finally made the big time but it stuck to its winning formula and it didn't sell out at all, which made me happy.
I love the shot they have of all the candidates walking across the bridge, the wind blowing in their faces, all walking towards the camera, its become an iconic feature of an opening episode of the show.
When they were deciding on naming the teams, I immediately thought back to the last series and the time it took to decide on a name (A-Team ring any bells?) and I hoped they all wouldn't decide too quickly as the naming team segment always delivers much hilarity and some conflict. You could tell Sophie was riled when her suggestion that Stealth meant slow, taking its time and that it wouldn't be a good reflection on the Girls Team and the other girls just basically didn't have any of it and still went ahead with the name.
I just knew Sir Alan would pick up on the Boys Team name when he was going to give them the brief for the first task. I love twists in the show, especially when Sir Alan sets them up. He really embarrassed Tre, when he revealed the story behind the team name - that was a company Tre used to work for. Good old Sir Alan, and I smirked when he turned around and just dropped the bombshell that the team leaders would be switched around. It was a huge development and Sir Alan did it in his own style which makes the show so good.
Would The Apprentice be as good without Sir Alan at the helm? I don't think so. He makes the show. He is the shows heart and he pumps the intensity into each and every one of the candidates. He is so intimdiating that if you were a candidate, you would just think during a task about the fear of facing Sir Alan in that boardroom as part of a losing team and that surely has to motivate you into a winning mentality.
Margaret and Nick are essential parts you have to remember. I think Nick should be used more. His reaction to the statement that 11 coffees were sold as it was a good thing was genius. Such dry wit, from one of the assistants just adds another factor. Both Nick and Margaret are not afraid to voice their opinion, and its obvious Sir Alan trusts them 100%, and it makes the operations of the show just flow really well. When a bad decision is in the process of being made, you can see both Nick and Margarets faces just show an utter look of shock and confusion. Thats when you know a bad decision has been made.
I couldn't help but laugh when Sir Alans helicopter landed on the heli-pad and all the candidates nearly went flying away due to the utter force of the wind. Adrian Chiles pointed out a cracker, when he noticed Andy wore a tie-pin and it still didn't do the job when the helicopter landed as Andy's tie nearly flew away into the Thames!
Tre Azam is quite a character. At first I thought he was going to be an absolute idiot as he couldn't shut up and he wouldn't listen but Jadine was absolutely unbearable as the episode wore on, and she was too harsh on Tre. Even though they won, Jadine should have just left the boys doing their trade in that prime spot on the high street where they were getting great sales. Jadine just created havoc between her and Tre, and she was too picky about having the Eclipse branding on top of every Cappuccino. Its only a one day task, its not like its a business starting up for the long term and they would need the product being noticable. Tre was right in what he was saying with Jadine but didn't help himself with his language. If Tre can calm down a little bit, and bite his lip when he is angered, he could go far. You can see potential clashes between Sir Alan and Tre down the line.
Jadines 'birthday performance' was quite something eh? I nearly had to walk out of the room, I was cringing so much. What was it all about?! I know you have to do some silly stuff to get those extras sales in The Apprentice but that was shocking, and laugh out loud material which the show is also famous for.
I think Andy Jackson was unlucky. He was obviously a nice bloke, and was really friendly but I don't think he had a structure set for the task. It all seemed like he was deciding on the spot, on the next move would be. I'm not sure if the editing went really against Andy. The mistakes added up, and only 1 person could get fired, and the easier option was Andy and sadly he went. There was no concrete plan, no real research, it was all too unprepared, and the project manager normally accounts for all those mistakes and thats why Andy went. Sophie made a big mistake with the purchasing but she held her hands up, her card will be marked with Sir Alan, he won't forget it, no chance. She needs an impressive performance next week.
I think the majority of the boys were too uneager to accept the project manager role - it was all too false that first discussion - they were all working each other out. I think they had witnessed what had happened in previous series and wanted to stay clear. Andy and Adam had their private chat and Andy did back down because maybe it had hit him what he might have been letting himself in for, but it would have looked good that he had offered to be the project manager. The boys then forced Andy into taking the role and you could see in Andys face that he felt threatened and that he was forced in the end into the role. The pressure then kicked in and it got to Andy. I felt so sorry for him in the boardroom as he was really genuine and on 'You're Fired!' he was good value. I hope he is stronger because of the experience and he does well in future life as he was a great bloke.
If you are reading Andy by any chance, please contact the blog via e-mail so people can send their wishes to you through the blog.
The task was a good one, but as it was the first episode, we didn't get to see much of the candidates. Rory, Paul, Lohit weren't featured that much, and for the girls, Natalie and Ghazal didn't get much screen time. Its because of the first 20 minutes was all introductions, but next week is when we get to the start of the real personalities coming out and the rivalries starting. Next week is when the real action kicks in.
I thought the episode was a great introduction and it had good, traditional Apprentice UK values. These introduction episodes are always hard to judge, but I have tried my best getting some details out of it. We'll find out more about the candidates as each episode goes by.
The dog task for next week looks fantastic and plenty of laughs are also expected. I can't wait.
The Apprentice is BACK!
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