Angela Scanlon takes over the BBC spin-off show

Tom Allen is leaving The Apprentice: You’re Fired after six years.

The comic will be replaced by broadcaster and author Angela Scanlon on the spin-off when Lord Sugar’s show returns from January 29.

Writing on Instagram yesterday, the comedian explained that it was his decision to leave.

He said: ‘I have decided, after six years, to say goodbye to The Apprentice: You’re Fired. I have had so much fun working with the most incredible creative people to make it all happen. 

‘I was also getting concerned Lord Sugar might realise I know nothing about business.’

He thanked Lord Sugar and his assistants Karren Brady and Tim Campbell ‘for all their support and encouragement at every step’ and all the Apprentice candidate and guest who joined him on the show. 

Under Scalon’s command, the new spin-off  will be called Unfinished Business and will air on BBC Two and iPlayer straight after the main show on BBC One, with audio available on BBC Sounds for the first time.

The new host – who competed in Celebrity Apprentice at Christmas – said: ‘Having recently gone toe-to-toe with Lord Sugar in the boardroom, I have never understood or loved this iconic show more.

‘To be part of The Apprentice as it heads into its 20th year is an absolute treat. I can't wait to get suited and booted and sit down with candidates and celeb fans each week to unpack the drama, make sense of the madness and hopefully walk away with some business advice while I’m at it!’

While on the show, the 41-year-old admitted she was scared of Lord Sugar, saying: ’You don’t really want to be on the receiving end of his withering comments. I just tried to keep my head down.’

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment commissioning at the BBC said: ‘With self-confessed Apprentice superfan Angela Scanlon at the helm, The Apprentice: Unfinished Business promises more in-depth analysis than ever’. 

Published: 15 Jan 2026