The Apprentice is returning to the BBC in 2022 and promises to bring all the usual drama and competitiveness. 

The popular business series will air its sixteenth series on BBC One on Thursday, January 6 and 16 new candidates are fighting for Lord Alan Sugar's investment. 

The entrepreneurs will compete to win a life-changing £250,000 by completing tasks and fighting for their right to stay in the famous boardroom.

This year will be slightly different, with Claude Littner not returning after a cycling accident.

He will be replaced by Tim Campbell, who won the first series in 2005.

Here is everything you need to know about this year's candidates.

Aaron 

Aaron is a 38-year-old flight operations instructor, who has previously served in the RAF for 12 years and lives in Chorley, Lancashire. 

He is starting up his own security business, which he hopes Lord Sugar will invest in.

Aaron said: "My strongest point is that I can sell, to anybody and I think that’s the reason why my business will be a success, because people will buy from me.”

Akeem

Akeem, 29, is a strategy manager for a financial firm and lives in London. 

He says he is a "numbers guy" and has “got the ambition, the drive and the experience working with strategy” to make him a winner. 

“My growing up has made me who I am, I’m able to converse with everyone, but also be able to show that financial, business side to myself.”

Akshay

Akshay is a 28-year-old owner of a digital marketing agency in London, who can speak seven languages and says sleeping is a "waste of time."

He said his first word as a newborn was 'profit' and “My friends call me AK47 because I’m a killer salesperson.”

Alex

Alex, 27, lives in Hertford and owns a commercial cleaning company. 

He left school after his first year of sixth form and wants to triple the turnover of his business. 

Alex said: “I would compare myself to a Ferrari, shiny on the outside but under the bonnet, there is a lot of fire and I’m coming for you.”

Amy

Amy, 48, started her beauty business later in life and has found her passion after previously working in sales, showbiz and jingles. 

She said she "can be nice" but is a "tough boss". 

Brittany

Brittany lives in Bristol and is a Front of House manager in a hotel. 

The 25-year-old describes herself as kind, sociable and enthusiastic and wants investment from Lord Sugar for the first alcoholic protein drink

“My motto for life is ‘always look on the bright side and be grateful for everything’– every day when I wake up, I write 10 things that I am grateful for and when I go to sleep, I reflect on 5 things I am grateful for from that day," she said. 

Conor

Conor, 28, is a sales executive from London and a former professional rugby player.

His business idea consists of a fleet of quirky food and beverage vendors targeted at music and sports events.

“I’m going to be the corporate panther in the boardroom, I’ m going to get it done, and I’m going to be Lord Sugar’s perfect business partner.”

Francesca 

Francesca is a 26-year-old business owner from Surrey.

She comes from a line of successful entrepreneurs and is looking for investment in her next venture, providing a product carbon footprint service for businesses with a simple equation of her own creation.

“I’ve never lost anything, I always win," she said. 

“There are two types of people in the world – there’s people that say they are going to do things and people that actually do them, and I’m a doer.”

Harry

Harry, 35, is a regional operations manager from the West Midlands. 

He describes himself as "the Asian version of Lord Sugar" and hopes they can work to develop his bath bomb business.

“Everything I’ve looked into achieving, I’ve achieved. I’ve literally done everything I’ve put my mind to.”

Harpreet 

Harpreet is a 30-year-old owner of a dessert parlour from West Yorkshire. 

She is looking to "level up" her six-figure coffee and cakes business with the help of Lord Sugar. 

“I’m definitely not in business to make friends, I’m here to make money, and I’m pretty sure Lord Sugar isn’t looking for a new mate.”

Kathryn 

Kathryn owns an online pyjama store and is from Swindon.

The 29-year-old describes herself as ambitious, kind and often "savage", who is there to win and expand her business. 

“My dreams in my head are absolutely huge and I believe I can achieve them.”

Navid

Navid, 27, is a Pharmacist from London and wants to create a new pharmacy business with the investment from Lord Sugar. 

“Nothing intimidates me because I just feel like I’m a strong character, strong person, strong mindset.”

Nick

Nick is a 31-year-old finance manager from London who wants to create a successful flavoured water drinks line. 

“In business I’m a bit of a force to be reckoned with. I know what I’m talking about, I know how things work, and I’m extremely experienced. So, I’m a bit of an animal in the boardroom.”

Sophie 

Sophie, 32, owns a boutique cocktail bar and lives in Cheltenham. 

She describes herself as magical and enchanting and wants to use the money from the show to renovate her bar. 

“Failure is not an option, winning is part of my DNA.”

Shama

Shama, 41, owns a children's day nursery in Bradford. 

The mother of five is ready to prove “skillset that is required to be one of the best, successful businesswomen in the early years sector.”

“Being a lady of colour, wearing a headscarf as well, and the challenges that we face on a daily basis, I just want to be a living example for the Asian women and South Asian women out there.”

Stephanie

Stephanie is a 28-year-old from Kent and owns an online children's store.

She has a no-nonsense attitude to business and wants to be a part of the pre-loved fashion industry. 

 “I’m an East London girl, and I’ve got that no-nonsense sort of work ethic. I’ve got grit, determination and I’m determined to be successful.”

The Apprentice airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm on Thursday, January 6.