'The Apprentice' star Claude Littner says it's "not his call" whether he returns to the boardroom.

Claude Littner doesn't know if he will return to The Apprentice;s boardroom

Claude Littner doesn't know if he will return to The Apprentice;s boardroom

Claude previously worked as an advisor to Lord Alan Sugar on the BBC show alongside Karren Brady, but he had to step away from his duties after sustaining injuries in a cycling accident in 2021 and he was replaced by former winner Tim Campbell.

He's returning to 'The Apprentice' for the interviews stage of the reality TV contest, but won't resume his place in the boardroom - and Claude has now admitted it's not his decision whether he resumes his role as an advisor.

Claude made the admission during an exchange with a fan on X - formerly known as Twitter - after the follower asked him: "Forgive my naivety, have you stepped aside permanently from following candidates weekly or are you still recovering? Missing you in the show!"

The TV star then replied: "Honestly, that is not my call. I am fully recovered. Thank you."

In a separate message, Claude confirmed he will be seen on the show during the latter stages, adding: "I will be doing the interviews".

At the time of his departure, Claude insisted he would be paying close attention to the candidates' antics from his sofa instead of the boardroom. He said in a statement: "Whilst I’m disappointed that I won’t be out and about covering the tasks or in boardroom for this upcoming series, I’ll most definitely be glued to the action from my sofa."

Claude's replacement Tim – who was the first ever winner of the business reality competition almost 17 years ago - previously admitted he was stunned when his old mentor, Lord Alan Sugar, asked him to join the show - and he didn't believe the offer was genuine at first.

During an interview with Radio Times magazine, he recalled thinking: “Is this a prank? I thought people were going to burst in with cameras and say, ‘Got you!’ ... I thought, ‘Why is he phoning?’ When he explained, I said, ‘Are you being serious?’ It was mad."

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