The third series of the hit show is returning with 16 candidates battling it out for a £100,000-a-year job with Sir Alan Sugar.

More than 10,000 hopefuls applied for the show, which has transferred from BBC Two to BBC One and kicks off on March 28.

Among the eight male contenders is Rory Laing, 27, who previously ran an upmarket catering firm supplying public school-educated bar staff - and once employed Prince William’s girlfriend, Kate Middleton.

He said of her in 2004: "I pay her only £5.25 an hour. But she’s pretty, so she takes plenty in tips."

The female hopefuls include Gerri Blackwood, a 33-year-old from Woking, Surrey, who gave up a job offer with MI5 to take part in The Apprentice after being offered both in the same day.

Her competition includes Katie Hopkins, 31, a global brand consultant from Exeter, Devon, who was sponsored through university by the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

Brainiest of the bunch is quantum physicist Dr Sophie Kain, 32, from Llanellen in Wales.

The other men include Paul Callaghan, 27, from Southampton, who graduated from Sandhurst and spent six months serving as an infantry commander in Basra.

Adam Hosker, also 27 and from Blackburn, Lancashire, is a car salesman who grew up on a council estate and used to sell match programmes at Blackburn Rovers.

Michelle quits job with Sir Alan - Sept 29, 2020
The Apprentice TV show winner Michelle Dewberry is quitting Sir Alan Sugar’s company, it was announced today.

The former checkout girl is starting her own consultancy business, Michelle Dewberry Ltd.

Michelle, 26, from Hull, landed the £100,000 job after beating 15,000 rivals on the BBC2 series with her cool temperament, fierce determination and the way she had overcome her difficult upbringing.

But she was recently reported to be on gardening leave after becoming pregnant with fellow contestant Syed Ahmed’s child.

Michelle discovered she had lost the baby after going to hospital suffering from stomach pains last month.

Today the former telecoms consultant said: "I am so grateful for the experience I have gathered from Sir Alan and others within his organisation.

"I am excited to take these learnings and help other companies by way of my new company, MDL."

Sir Alan, 59, said: "I wish Michelle the best of luck with her new venture.

"She leaves with my blessing, and there is no question that I would consider using her new company to work with her again on special projects that need evaluating."

A statement from both the Amstrad boss and Michelle said that she decided to move on because her computer disposal project had been "concluded".

No more Mr Nice Guy as Amstrad profits tumble – Feb 28, 2020
The second series of the apprentice is under way, and Sir Alan Sugar has wasted no time in reminding viewers why he has a fearsome reputation. In a shock decision gave “nice guy” Ben Stanberry the boot after failing to rise to the challenge of selling fruit and veg from a market stall. Despite being popular with the other contestants, the cancer survivor and marathon runner was left to pack his things after being told “you’re fired!” by the ruthless Mr Sugar.

Pots and kettles? Sir Alan is one of Britain’s richest men on the back of his consumer electronics company Amstrad, but it was revealed earlier this week that the company is suffering a downturn. Profit over the six month period to December 31 fell to a paltry £12.5 million, with sales down £13.4 million. It’s tough at the top…