tough time
The Apprentice’s Claude Littner reveals he lost his spot in the BBC boardroom after health ordeal
He stepped down from the show in 2022 owing to ill health
THE Apprentice star Claude Littner has revealed that he lost his spot in the show's boardroom after he took time out from the show as a result of his health battle.
Claude was a regular adviser on the BBC programme to Lord Alan Sugar alongside Karren Brady but was forced to step back owing to health issues and has now admitted that it isn't "his call" if he returns to his previous role.
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In April 2021, Claude suffered a horror injury whilst cycling and the subsequent recovery process and the following health woes that came with it led to him stepping down from his weekly role.
Although Claude has since returned to the show during the infamous interviews stage, and will continue to do so in the current series, former show winner Tim Campbell is still sitting in the seat he used to occupy.
Claude has now admitted that even though he is "fully recovered", it is not up to him if he becomes an adviser once again.
A fan on Twitter asked the star: "Forgive my naivety, have you stepped aside permanently from following candidates weekly or are you still recovering? Missing you in the show!"
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In response, Claude said: "Honestly, that is not my call. I am fully recovered. Thank you."
Claude went on to clarify that he would be back for the interview process during the latter weeks of the contest.
He said in a separate Tweet: "I will be doing the interviews".
The Sun has approached a representative for The Apprentice for comment.
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The 74 year old still remains close friends to Lord Sugar to this day and has been supported by the team amid his ill health.
Speaking at the time of his boardroom departure, Claude said in a statement: “Whilst I’m disappointed that I won’t be out and about covering the tasks or in boardroom for this upcoming series, I’ll most definitely be glued to the action from my sofa.”
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Instead Tim Campbell was drafted in to replace Claude, and he has been on the show ever since.
Lord Sugar said: "Unfortunately, Claude suffered some medical issues and so I was asked to think of someone else – and who better than somebody who's actually been through the process."
He added: “I’ve been speaking to him regularly about his recovery and, of course, hope we see him back in the boardroom very soon.”
In 2023, Claude give his fans an update on his health, and also talked about the horror accident.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain he said: "I am very grateful to the ambulance crew for looking after me and of course the surgeons at St Mary's who put me back together.
"It was a freak accident.
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"I think someone was looking out for me but if someone was looking out for me better, I wouldn't have had the accident.
"I was lucky to have the ambulance driving behind me."
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