The Apprentice winner slams after-care for contestants ahead of series return
Marnie Swindells, former winner of The Apprentice, calls for better contestant support as the show returns to screens
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A former winner of The Apprentice has criticised the showâs contestant aftercare, calling her experience âa tickbox exerciseâ and urging producers to do more to support hopefuls.
Marnie Swindells, who secured Lord Sugarâs ÂŁ250,000 investment in 2023, admitted she struggled with the emotional toll of the process and felt there wasnât enough support in place.
âMore could be done around aftercare and making sure people's heads are okay throughout,â she said. âI expected a little more support at times, and it felt like a checkbox exercise.
âI think they do genuinely care, but whether they have enough resources and protocols in place to protect contestants from having a bad emotional experience, Iâm not sure.â
Swindells described the intense scrutiny contestants face, saying: âYou go from being an absolute nobody, then overnight the whole of the UK has an opinion on what you're doing and is watching you intensely - not just on Thursday nights, but throughout the week they want to know what you're doing and who you are.
âItâs a serious roller coaster and journey.â
The Bronx Boxing Club owner also stressed the need for reality shows to take their contestantsâ mental health âextremely seriously,â suggesting The Apprentice should learn from tragedies linked to Love Island.
Swindells (R) pictured with Rochelle Anthony and Lord Alan Sugar
PA Wire
Referencing the deaths of ex-Love Island stars Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, she said: âThe emotional impact of that should be taken seriously, especially when we know whatâs happened to ex-Love Islanders.â
While The Apprentice carries out psychological assessments before filming, Swindells believes itâs not enough.
Partnering with Office Freedom, she said: âGenerally, you need a thick skin to go on the show. They do test that and carry out interviews with you alongside psychologists, but throughout the process, I didn't feel like we were always listened to.
âThe production team know the show inside out, but until youâve actually lived through it, you donât understand the impact of being thrust into the spotlight.
âFrom a contestantâs perspective, I donât think that was always given enough weight.â
The Standard has contacted the BBC for comment.
Guided once again by his trusted advisors, Baroness Karren Brady and former winner Tim Campbell MBE, Lord Sugar is on the hunt for a future business partner with the skills, drive, and vision to secure his coveted ÂŁ250,000 investment and mentorship.
This yearâs competition promises plenty of drama as contestants tackle tasks that demand sharp selling skills, relentless determination, creative flair, and the ability to negotiate under pressure.
Among the hopefuls are a lifelong fan of the BBC show, a dentist to Hollywoodâs elite, a former tennis player, and even a competitive bodybuilder. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the series.
The Apprentice kicks off on Thursday, 30 January from 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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