The Isle of Wight was in the spotlight when The Apprentice broadcast on BBC1 last night (19 March).

The popular business-based reality show, celebrating a milestone 20^th series, is headed by businessman Lord Alan Sugar, who passes his judgement each week, whittling an initial cast of 20 to just one ‘apprentice’ to invest £250 000 plus mentorship in their business idea.

Featuring the remaining 10 candidates, the episode focused on a task to find 9 items, purchase them at discounted prices and rendezvous for a thrilling climax at a chosen location – although it was undoubtedly the Isle of Wight and its businesses who were the real stars of the show.

The discount-buying task episode – a fan favourite – saw the two teams meet at The Hut at Colwell Bay to receive a list of deliberately misleading or vaguely named items to source at the best possible price, with a timed deadline of 5pm to get to Hovertravel in Ryde.

Items examples included ‘something blue’ (an Isle of Wight sparkling blue wine), a ‘red duster’ (a flag used by sailors) and a ‘bird’s nest’ (an Isle of Wight doughnut).

The episode was filmed on a sunny day in June 2025, with the teams making their way across the Isle of Wight in a bid to purchase the correct items.

The two groups struggled to identify some of the elements, achieving the final list with varying degrees of success before boarding the hovercraft at Ryde.

Highlights of the show included digging for garlic and mucking out goats, all to achieve the best possible price from the businesses.

Dominic Wray, Chief Executive at Visit Isle of Wight said:

“Broadcast to millions on BBC One, with further coverage in The Apprentice: Unfinished Business on BBC Two and additional viewing expected on BBC iPlayer, the Isle of Wight has gained exceptional exposure at a key time for holiday bookings.

“With sunshine on the day of filming, the Island was showcased at its very best.

Behind the scenes saw an Islandwide effort initiated by Visit Isle of Wight.

The Royal Hotel in Ventnor provided accommodation for Lord Sugar’s advisors Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE, while the candidates and some of the crew stayed at the nearby Wellington Hotel.

The production team travelled across the Solent with Wightlink and additional filming facilities saw local drone experts Procam Films get involved. The Isle of Wight’s official film office, Film Wight, managed permissions for the crew to ensure the day went as smoothly as possible.

Dominic Wray added:

“This opportunity was made possible through the support of Visit Isle of Wight and builds on our ongoing work to promote the Island, funded by the Wight BID.

“We encourage all tourism businesses to continue supporting the Wight BID, so we can keep the Isle of Wight front of mind for people planning their next holiday.”

You can watch the full programme on the BBC iPlayer now: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002svbq/the-apprentice-series-20-8-discount-buying-take-two  

ENDS

Visit Isle of Wight blog: https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/blog/read/2026/03/follow-in-the-footsteps-of-the-bbc-apprentice-challenge-b434 

The Items:

• Rhubarb and Custard (sweets)
• Something Blue (sparkling blue wine)
• Iguanodon (fossil)
• Mauchline Ware (decorative souvenir woodenware)
• Red Duster (a flag)
• Bird Nests (Isle of Wight doughnut)
• Stand up paddleboard
• Black Cassette 8 speed (gearing sprocket set for a bicycle)
• Maddock Wight (garlic bulb)

Places visited:

• The Garlic Farm, Newchurch
• Adgestone Vineyard
• Grace’s Bakery in Ryde and Newport
• Jurassic Jim’s, Shanklin
• The Holistic Emporium, Shanklin
• Wight Bike at Merstone
• Richardson’s Yacht Services at Newport
• Eddies Surf Academy
• Antiek in Ryde
• The Olde Ryde Sweet Shop

Quotes from business involved:

Infront of the camera:

The Hut, Colwell Bay (list reveal)

Clare Ryan, Group Marketing Manager UK & Caribbean

“We were delighted to work with Visit Isle of Wight last year, discreetly hosting the cast and crew of this year’s BBC The Apprentice.

“The Hut was chosen as the setting for the task’s initial planning discussions with Karren Brady and Tim Campbell, with the two teams split between our main Deck and Roof Deck, both offering stunning views over Colwell Bay.

“Filming took place on a beautiful Isle of Wight morning and wrapped up seamlessly just before we opened our doors – entirely unbeknown to our lunch guests!

“We can’t wait to see the Isle of Wight and The Hut showcased on the BBC very soon”

Grace’s Bakery, Ryde and Newport shops (item locations)

Ray Redrup and Family:

“We were absolutely delighted to be part of filming for The Apprentice. As a family-run bakery here on the Isle of Wight, it was a proud moment to showcase the Isle of Wight Doughnut, a recipe that dates all the way back to 1845, and one we believe could be among the earliest doughnuts made in the UK.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Visit Isle of Wight for recommending us, and to the production team for creating such a fun and memorable experience. Waiting for the contestants to work out the clue and finally find us was exciting, it made for a brilliant day that we’ll never forget.

“It hasn’t been easy keeping it a secret for the past 10 months or so, but we’re thrilled to finally share the news and shine a spotlight on this special and tasty part of the Island’s heritage. If you haven’t already, come and give an Isle of Wight Doughnut a try!”

Adgestone Vineyard (item location)

Philippa Broughton, co-owner

“It was a great experience to work with The Apprentice production team and to meet the candidates; there were certainly some characters in the mix. We wish the best of luck to everyone competing and are hugely looking forward to watching the programme.

“We also want to thank Visit Isle of Wight for their tireless and enthusiastic promotion of the Island; without their hard work, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get involved with such exciting projects.”

Wight Bike (item location)

Jeff Smith, owner

“They located us initially using the Google search to establish if we had a specialist part for the drivetrain of a bike to which I was immediately forthcoming with what they were looking for, unaware at this stage who I was actually talking to .

“We were then informed of what the call was regarding and were delighted that we could be assistance in their request.

“As time went on and Wightbike being as busy as it is, the memory faded until the day arrived with full camera crew and the Apprentices requesting to buy a Shimano 8 speed black cassette for the transmission of a bike! 

“To have them at the store was flattering given our out of town location and of course provided them with ample space to achieve their objectives.

“What’s more, with Visit Isle of Wight supporting it I have no doubt that it is great opportunity to fly the flag for the Island and exposure for www.wightbike.com”

Jurassic Jims, Shanklin (item location)

Aaron Isted, co-owner

“We were fortunate to get The Apprentice come in here and do some filming which was amazing, brings them to the IOW and viewing the whole island. “Luckily, we had a fantastic day for it, and they got to see the best of the island.

“Our busiest time of the year is the summer holidays and the half terms, so we are reliant on people coming here on holiday and the local community when they’re off with their children or on their holidays they sometimes take their staycations on the island and they always come to visit us in Shanklin, which is a beautiful seaside town here on the Isle of Wight.”

Hovertravel (task final destination)

Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing

“We really enjoyed playing our part in this hugely popular TV series and being able to showcase both our unique hovercraft and the delights of the iconic Isle of Wight.”

Behind the scenes

A great deal of behind the scenes teamwork was involved.

The Royal Hotel (supplied accommodation for Karren Brady and Tim Campbell)

Matthew Brooks, Director of The Royal Hotel

“We were delighted to host The Apprentice during filming on the Isle of Wight, and to provide the Central Production Facility for the team, which was a new use for one of our meeting rooms!  

“Securing the filming of one of the most popular TV shows on the island was a big win by Visit Isle of Wight and we thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at Visit Isle of Wight on it. Certainly, the most difficult part has been keeping the role of the island and of The Royal secret for nine months!” 

The Wellington, Ventnor (accommodation for Apprentices and most of the crew)

Andy Kinnaird

“From the very first recce visits, it was clear this was a special project to be part of.

“Working alongside a great team at Visit Isle of Wight, we were delighted to support The Apprentice by hosting the production team at The Wellington Hotel and providing VIP transport by minibus and coach. It’s been a brilliant example of what can be achieved when local businesses and partners work together.”

Wightlink (supplied cross-Solent travel for the production)

CEO Katy Taylor

“It was a pleasure to bring the candidates across to the Island by ferry, and we’re thrilled to see the Isle of Wight take centre stage on one of the UK’s most‑watched shows. The Apprentice puts a national spotlight on the Island’s creativity, character and entrepreneurial spirit.

“Seeing local businesses featured and the Island’s unique charm showcased on screen is fantastic. We can’t wait to watch it all unfold.”

Film Wight (filming permissions)

Dave Russell

“This episode showcases the diversity of the island to an audience of millions.

“It’s a great example of how Filmwight and Visit Isle of Wight work closely to attract filmmakers and TV producers to the Island and make it a pleasure for them to work here.”

ProCam Films (drone shots)

Nathaniel Wheatley

“When Fremantle approached us to work as the drone operator on the apprentice, we were extremely happy, especially because they found us. 

“On a project this big and this much pressure it always takes 2, so me (Nathaniel) & Tom were the team of 2, me flying and Tom as a second pair of eyes and back up.

“The whole day was like a fast-paced race, darting around the island from one location to the other on coms and working closely alongside the producer all day.

“We captured fantastic drone shots, from the arrival of the candidates on the ferry, iconic Island scenery, some island businesses, and then chasing the hovercraft into the Solent with the drone as they left.

“Some of it was chaos, as times we arrived in planned locations, and the candidates didn’t show up, As the tasks they were under depicted where they would go next, so sometimes it was a little bit of a gamble to pre pick a location.  

“At the end Ed the Producer, came over to us and said mission accomplished, ‘You guys were a perfect team!’ “