Dragon’s Den tycoon suggests co-star should take over from Lord Sugar on the Apprentice
DRAGON’S Den star Steven Barlett knows all about making big business decisions.
And the multimillionaire entrepreneur has given the BBC some assistance for when the time comes to replace Lord Sugar on hit series The Apprentice.
Steven has tipped Deborah Meaden to take on the role, after distancing himself from being a potential candidate, and he believes his fellow Dragon will take the show to new levels.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Steven said: “I don’t think that’s for me. If I was going to do a show on TV I would want to do something completely new.
“But you know who I think would be great for that? I don’t know if I should say this but I’m going anyway, I personally think Deborah Meaden would be a brilliant fit.
“I don’t know if she would do it and we’ve never spoken about her doing it, but I think she is a legend in TV and it takes a certain powerful, wise, assertive entrepreneur to take on that role and push it even further.
“I think Deborah Meaden is the best.”
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Lord Sugar has filmed 16 series of The Apprentice and has previously indicated he’s likely to step down after reaching 20, unless the BBC decide to step in earlier and inject some new blood.
Meanwhile, Steven - who became the youngest Dragon in the show’s history earlier this year - says he would like to step up his own TV efforts by becoming the figurehead of his own “modern business show”.
The Diary of a CEO podcast admits he’s held talks with various production companies but is keen to remain on the BBC.
He explains: “I’m always considering TV options, we get a lot of proposals every month from different production companies.
“If I am to do something in TV I would love for it to be with the BBC as I worked with them on Dragons and I would love to do a really modern business show that excited young generation and really inspired them to get into business, to start their own companies and understand modern platforms like TikTok.”
Steven has partnered with NatWest to create a new motivational video series to help people take action with their finances. The podcast host talks about setting goals, starting a business and managing personal finances, with some key tips on taking action to achieve your ambitions in life and business.
He was keen to get involved in the project having received little help with his own finances when he was a budding entrepreneur.
The TV star says: “In the first chapter of my life, my financial habits were awful because knowledge is power and I think there is a real deficit of information out there about finances.
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“It’s seen as this boring thing, saving money, but I don’t think anyone sees going on holiday as boring, or being able to afford to take kids to watch their favourite football team is boring.
“For me they are goals and they need to know money unlocks, it’s the coal engine for all of my dreams so getting hold of it and being proactive about money, which most Brits aren’t, especially the current macroeconomic backdrop, feels like it’s never been as important now than ever before.”
He advises people to “act like the CEO of their own company” when it comes to their personal finances
Steven adds: “We all have goals and ambitions – whether that is buying a pair of trainers, saving for a big event or even starting your own business.
“But we also know how hard it can be to take that first step to make those things happen. The Money Motivation series is aimed at helping anyone to take that first step to setting and achieving their goals – whatever those may be.”
- Steven’s Money Motivation series, in partnership with NatWest, is available to watch at
MADELEY MILLION MUDDLE
RICHARD Madeley's stint on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? was typically eventful.
The telly veteran mistakenly tried to sit in host Jeremy Clarkson’s chair when he entered the studio.
He also repeatedly referred to Jeremy as “Chris”, confusing him for the show’s ex-presenter Chris Tarrant.
Richard said: “I go to your seat, I call you by your predecessor – it’s going well.”
He later told how wife Judy Finnigan had warned him not to get the two hosts of the ITV quiz mixed up, adding: “The last thing Judy told me before I came on is, ‘Don’t Call him Chris’.
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Jeremy replied: “Anyway, Piers.”
The show is on October 16, not that Richard will remember.
Bizbit
l A VISITOR to Antiques Roadshow brought in three bottles of Johnnie Walker whisky her family was given in the 1950s – and was told they are worth £15,000.
Because the bottles date from 1907 to the Thirties, they are incredibly rare.
The Scotch had been kept in the Londoner’s loft for years.