Nick Hewer to leave The Apprentice after 10 years

Nick Hewer is to leave The Apprentice after 10 years as Lord Sugar’s sidekick.

on the BBC reality business show.

The 70-year-old, who has worked alongside Lord Sugar since 1983, has been an adviser on the BBC reality business show since it started in 2005.

Hewer explained that it is the “appropriate time” for him to depart, but that his exit is “relief tinged with regret”.

“I’ve been pondering my departure from The Apprentice for a while and have decided that year 10 is the appropriate time,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed being part of this wonderful television series for two reasons: firstly, because it’s been fun and has opened up many unexpected opportunities for me, but more importantly, because I think The Apprentice is a truly valuable programme, teaching young people the basics of business – not in a classroom setting, but in a wonderfully entertaining format.

“And the winners each year validate the value of the show – talented, creative and hardworking young people, all of whom are making a great success of their businesses.”

Hewer first worked with Margaret Mountford in observing the contestants and giving feedback about them to Lord Sugar. Karren Brady replaced Mountford in 2010.

The final of this year’s series will air on Sunday night (December 21) at 9pm on BBC One.