The Apprentice: Series 6 (2010)

It took a while for the latest series of The Apprentice to get to BBC1, and when it finally arrived it was as addictive as ever. Reality TV doesn't really float my boat, but I got into The Apprentice a couple of series back and have been an avid viewer ever since. It's a docusoap really, with a business element tacked on. There's jeopardy, laughs and frustration as the duff candidates make it through firings, and as Lord Sugar dashes off another groan-inducing pun. There's dispair at the language these grown adults use with each other and in work situations (not to mention on camera), along with astounding displays of ignorance. And there's Nick and Karen, skulking in the background, scowling and dripping scorn on the candidates' abilities. 

It all adds up to a very satisfying whole, and what made this series even better was the fact that You're Fired, the show that follows on BBC2 and features interviews with the fired candidate, is now fronted by Dara O'Briain, fast becoming my favourite TV comedian. He brought a level of wit and humour to the series that previous host Adrian Chiles could only dream of. Dara's open shock at Stuart Baggs The Brand not having been fired was hilarious, and his favouritism was refreshing in the type of show that doesn't allow presenters opinions (see Bruce Forsyth's 'you're all my favourites'). 

I was pleased that Stella and Chris made it to the final, though I called it wrongly for Chris. They were both pleasant, personable, competent people and either deserved to win. On the opposite end of the scale Stuart was just repugnant, and so many of the others just hopeless. I did really like Joanna's no-nonsense, no corporate bullshit approach though, it's a shame she couldn't have been in the final 2. Jamie talked a lot of hot air, and of the rest Alex was good value. My favourite scene this year was 'the battle of Trafalgar Square' as Stuart and Chris beat their metaphorical chests during a bus tour task, and Chris told Stuart to 'fuck off you fat twat'. Very well said. At least the late arrival of Series 6 means Series 7 may not be too far off now.