[LukeB]

Lord Alan Sugar isn't going anywhere, as The Apprentice appears to have been renewed by the BBC for three more series.

The reality TV show recently ended its 13th run, but this latest development will ensure that it will continue on through to at least series 16 in 2020, according to Broadcast.

The BBC told Digital Spy that The Apprentice will definitely be back later this year, but did not comment beyond that.

The Apprentice – which centres on a group of aspiring businesspeople competing for the chance to become Lord Sugar's business partner – also features Karren Brady and Claude Littner as Lord Sugar's aides.

The most recent series ended in surprising (and controversial) fashion, as both finalists (Sarah Lynn and James White) ended up with £250,000 investments from Lord Sugar.

Speaking afterwards of the historic double win, Lord Sugar explained that it came down to the fact he couldn't decide between the pair.

"This is a historic moment, I suppose, in the 13 years we've been doing this," he said. "And it's really because of what I said in the episode. I couldn't make a decision. It had to be both of them!

"They were two genuinely great experts in their field and I'm looking forward to going into business with them."

Series 13 managed an average of 6.9 million viewers, while the final had an audience of 8 million.

Applications for series 14 – which is expected to air on BBC One – opened in November.

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-app...re-series-bbc/