The Apprentice viewers go wild as show legend returns for ‘brutal’ interviews episode

THE Apprentice viewers were thrilled to see show legend Claude Littner return for "brutal" interviews episode

Claude kicked off his TV career on The Apprentice in 2015 as one of the official interviewers during the CV round of the show, before moving onto be one of Lord Alan Sugar's aides.

The British business executive was a staple on the show until 2022, when he had to take a step back because of health issues.

He returned to grill the final five candidates - and didn't hold back.

"So excited to have Claude back on my TV," one viewer said.

Someone else said: "Claude never fails to deliver."

Another added: "Evil Linda is back Claude is back - that means one thing - the best episode of series is here - INTERVIEWS."

A fan said: "Ready for Claude to rip these candidates head off."

Claude trained as an accountant, before developing a career as a turnaround specialist.

It was in this role that he met Lord Sugar, and agreed to chair a number of his companies.

This included him being chairman and chief executive of Amstrad International, Amstrad Spain, and Dancall Telecom.

He was replaced by Tim Campbell on The Apprentice.

Speaking about the remaining hopefuls. Claude told the BBC: "The candidates who reach the interview stage are typically exhausted from having been through the process!

"But they are also excited to have reached this milestone.

"My objective, having spent a considerable period in the week leading up to the interview analysing their plans, is to challenge their business plans.

"Are they realistic, are they achievable, are they sensible, do the numbers add up, does their chosen industry have growth potential, where will they expand, have they considered the competitive landscape?"