The Apprentice (British TV series) series 2

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

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 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 during its broadcast run.

Fourteen candidates took part in the second series, with Michelle Dewberry winning the competition. 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 all returning in their original roles. 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!, 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 Adrian Chiles being offered the role, which he accepted prior to the second series' premiere.

As with the first series, fourteen candidates were selected to participate, consisting of the same even mix of genders. Filming began in Autumn that year, with the men naming their team Invicta, while the women named their team Velocity. Although candidates faced a similar tasks to the first series, one notable difference was that Hewer and Mountford did not reprise their roles as interviewers alongside Paul Kemsley, Claude Littner, and Bordan Tkachuk. As with the previous series, the candidates faced a charity-based task, which this time featured a reward for that task's winners.

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. Of those who took part, Michelle Dewberry would become the eventual winner of this series,[2] and go on to briefly claim her prize of a coveted job at one of Sir Alan's companies; however, she left in September 2006 following a series of personal problems.[3][4][5] Throughout its filming, Sugar voiced issues to the production staff about the programme's format: considering the number of candidates taking part and the number of episodes in 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. Production staff eventually reviewed the format, which led to eventual changes when work began on the third series.

This is the only series of the programme in which every candidate had at least one opportunity to Project Manage a task. This occurred again on the first series of Junior Apprentice in 2010, but has never happened again on the main programme.

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
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Michelle IN IN IN IN IN IN LOSE IN WIN IN IN HIRED
Ruth IN IN IN IN LOSE IN BR WIN BR BR IN RUNNER-UP
Ansell IN IN IN IN IN LOSE IN IN IN IN FIRED
Paul IN IN IN IN WIN IN IN IN IN WIN FIRED
Syed BR IN WIN BR IN IN IN LOSE BR FIRED
Tuan IN IN IN BR IN IN WIN BR FIRED
Sharon IN IN IN IN IN WIN IN FIRED
Samuel BR WIN IN IN IN BR FIRED
Jo IN BR LOSE IN BR FIRED
Mani IN IN IN WIN FIRED
Alexa IN IN BR FIRED
Karen WIN BR FIRED
Nargis IN FIRED
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 release 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 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 selling them both at a market and door-to-door. However, the women are accused of using sexual appeal to "waylay" the buyers and were forced to explain to Sir Alan Sugar as to why they should be awarded the victory. The men focus mainly on selling fruit at a market, but make less profit due to an eleventh-hour change in sales strategy. 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. Following Ben's firing, one candidate is warned by Sir Alan Sugar that his "card has been marked".
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 lose the task, while Invicta win. Within the losing team, Nargis Ara was fired, for her behaviour on the task, lacking proper creativity, and ignoring concerns on the calendar's design, as well as her poor pitching skills.
173"Buying the Tyre"[9]8 March 2006 (2006-03-08)4.20
Sir Alan tasks the candidates with sourcing a list of niche products, testing their negotiating, sourcing, and bargaining skills. 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 products, facing issues with a problematic member, and failing to secure one of the required items. Their strategy soon proves to be ineffective when their costs exceed Invicta's, failing them on the task. From the losing team, Karen Bremner was fired 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, setting up a strong pricing strategy that leaves them with a reasonable profit, despite arguments between team members and their project manager. Invicta serve 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 for making a healthy profit, while Invicta lose both money and the task. performance creating a loss. Within the losing team, Alexa Tilley is fired 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 for over-emphasising one aspect of the venture, along with creating an unimpressive promotional campaign. While Invicta demonstrates each aspect of the card, they experience some delays with production of their video advert; however, their campaign is praised for being superior. With Velocity losing the task, 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 poor promotion. Velocity manage good sales on cars, but faced issues selling their extras due to ineffective sales skills. The review of commissions soon reveal that Invicta's strong sellers on the extras secure them victory, leaving Velocity to face questions on their lack of focus. Within the losing team, Jo Cameron is fired 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. Velocity focus on lines designed around Goths and aviation, but lack a clear strategy that leaves several members flailing. 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"[15]12 April 2006 (2006-04-12)4.58

Candidates pitch innovative products 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 retail chain, against strong advice in the briefing, but are ultimately successful as they generate a greater profit through selling in bulk. However, Invicta face a fine for arriving back in the boardroom late and thus consequently, suffer a 25% penalty which in turn leads to Velocity's victory. Invicta face criticism over their performance, and 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.[14]
239"Property Sales"[16]19 April 2006 (2006-04-19)4.76
Entering the rental market, both teams face the challenge of earning commission by closing deals on rental properties across London. Velocity focus on making individual sales and maintain close communication amongst themselves, with their strategy proving effective with potential renters. Invicta manage decent sales, 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. Within the losing team, Tuan Le is fired for his poor leadership, and lacking enthusiasm.
2410"Moet & Chandon"[17]26 April 2006 (2006-04-26)4.68
Brought aboard the Grand Princess as it travels between Istanbul and Naples, the teams are tasked with providing a special event for passengers. Velocity opt for dance classes with a cash-prize competition, securing good ratings and income. Invicta host events above deck and across the ship for the day, but face issues from poor organisation and an overspend on gifts. Invicta lose the task, due to their poor concept, and Syed Ahmed is eventually fired.
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. Feedback to Sir Alan, alongside observations by his aides, leads him 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 an admirable work ethic.
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 the fired candidates, each must host an themed evening event at London's Tower Bridge. Ruth creates a murder mystery party, while Michelle creates 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, with Ruth Badger being runner-up.

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.		 Airdate Viewers
(millions)		 BBC Two
weekly ranking
1 22 February 2006 3.65 2
2 1 March 2006 3.51 2
3 8 March 2006 4.20 1
4 15 March 2006 4.11 1
5 22 March 2006 4.03 2
6 29 March 2006 4.45 1
7 5 April 2006 4.26 1
8 12 April 2006 4.58 1
9 19 April 2006 4.76 1
10 26 April 2006 4.68 1
11 3 May 2006 4.98 1
12 10 May 2006 5.95 1

Specials

Episode Airdate Viewers
(millions)		 BBC Two
weekly ranking
Tim in the
Firing Line		 19 February 2006 2.26 25

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. ^ a b "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. ^ Teeman, Tim (10 May 2006). "There's only one Apprentice". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 24 February 2007. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  15. ^ "Episode 8, Series 2, The Apprentice – BBC One".
  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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