The Apprentice 2013 candidates unveiled

This year’s 16 hopefuls include a cupcake shop owner, a Mexican food entrepreneur, A jazz singer, a racing driver, an historian, a doctor and a make-up brand owner – with ages ranging from 22 to 41.

As usual, they will go head to head in a series of tasks as they compete to win a £250,000 business investment from Lord Sugar – whilst trying to avoid hearing those dreaded words ‘You’re fired.’

The Apprentice returns to BBC One with a double bill of shows on May 7 and May 8.

Among the ladies is Leah Totton, a doctor, from Northern Ireland and retail entrepreneur Luisa Zissman, who stripped off in the name of charity and is a mother-of-one, who claims she combines the sex appeal of Jessica Rabbit with the intellect of Einstein.

Malaysian-born Sophie Lau amazingly set up her own restaurant at just 19 when she was still a student.
Meanwhile, Monaco-based marketing company owner Myles Mordaunt, 39, was once a professional racing driver for a short period of time.

Pakistan-born Zeeshaan Shah appears to have set his sights on world domination after claiming his inspiration is Napoleon. Saying ‘I take inspiration from Napoleon; I am here to conquer.’