We were on The Apprentice – here’s the true cost of appearing on the show and dressing for the boardroom

FORMER contestants of The Apprentice have revealed how much it really costs to appear on the show.

The popular BBC One programme sees hopefuls battle it out to become Lord Alan Sugar‘s next apprentice.

During the show the contestants have to dress in appropriate business attire.

And now in a TikTok video for Vice two former contestants have revealed the true cost of appearing on the show.

Before filming starts producers supply contestants with a list of items they should bring to the house they all live at.

Producers instructed one participant to bring a long coat, a wheelie suitcase and a rotation of block coloured outfits.

She couldn’t give an exact figure but estimated she spent over £2k before joining the show.

The TiKTok user also claims women are requested to wear their heels all day during filming unless it’s a specific task.

With producers banning contestants from revealing their participation in the show, some hopefuls had to quit work as they were unable to tell their employers why they needed up to 12 weeks off work.

“You don’t get paid at all, when you get out you get a reimbursement for your clothes I think, but it’s not a lot,” said Carina Lepore, who won the 2019 series.

However, producers are upfront with contestants about the financial risk of taking part in the show.

If they are unable to afford their rent and other expenses by being on the show then they have to leave and can’t go any further.

The TikTok user also spoke to Amy Anzel from the 2022 series who revealed more behind the scenes information.

She said contestants in her series were given an initial £500 towards living expenses and a further £1,000 upon completing the show.

“You’re allowed three boardroom dresses, and if you think about what’s on the show, with outfits from Karen Millen and Coast, it can get pretty expensive,” she revealed.

The new series of The Apprentice continues on BBC One and iPlayer.