[Sod_James]

The lineup for this year's series of The Apprentice includes an ex-soldier who has been in rehab and an IT expert who won a £1 million payout after taking a law firm to court.

The BBC1 show returns for its fourth series in two weeks, with Sir Alan Sugar once again in the hot seat.

The Sun reports that this year's 16 contestants include former soldier Simon Smith, who developed a drug habit after serving in Bosnia and Northern Ireland. He is now a satellite engineer with a wife and daughter.

A show insider told the newspaper: “He’s had a lot of ups and downs and has been to rehab - he makes no bones about it. But he’s worked really hard to get himself back on track and has a happy family life now, as his wife just gave birth to his baby girl.”

IT expert Shazia Wahab represented herself in court when she won £1 million in damages for sex and race discrimination from City firm Allen & Overy in 2003.

Trainee barrister and property developer Nicholas de Lacy Brown joins Michael Sophocles, Alex Wotherspoon, Lee McQueen, Ian Stringer, Kevin Shaw and Raef Baggi on the male roster.

The female lineup includes Lindi Mngaza, who claims to be descended from royalty, along with business analyst Helene Speight, Jenny Celerie, Lucinda Ledgerwood, Claire Young, Jennifer McGuire and Sarah Dhada, another trainee barrister.

The source added: “It’s a brilliant lineup and not been without its rows. Some of the girls didn’t get on and split themselves into two factions. To top it all, Sir Alan’s even grumpier than usual.”