An entrepreneur from Derby, Dan Miller, has been selected as a contestant on the upcoming season of BBC One’s The Apprentice, set to premiere on January 29, 2026. Miller, the founder of the careers company Young Professionals, was chosen from a competitive pool of thousands of applicants. His business, established while he was still a student, has made significant strides in helping young individuals secure apprenticeships and early career opportunities across the UK.
The 20th series of The Apprentice will see Miller and 19 other contestants compete for the chance to become the next business partner of Lord Sugar, who will invest £250,000 in the successful candidate. The opening episode was filmed in Hong Kong, where contestants faced a series of challenging tasks under tight deadlines. Throughout the competition, they will be evaluated by Lord Sugar’s trusted advisers, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell.
Miller expressed his excitement about joining the show, stating, “I started Young Professionals as a teenager and I’ve built the business instinctively and by myself. When I saw the opportunity to apply to go on the show, I thought it was the right moment to push myself and learn from some experienced business minds.”
The application process for The Apprentice was rigorous, involving multiple assessments and screen tests designed to narrow down the applicants, which reportedly number around 80,000 annually. Although the details of Miller’s journey through the competition remain confidential, he described the experience as “intense from start to finish,” providing him with valuable insights into decision-making under pressure.
Miller noted that the fast-paced environment of the show forced him to make quick decisions, something he admits is challenging for him in his usual business operations. “You have to back your judgement,” he explained. He also highlighted the significant learning curve regarding resilience and leadership, stating, “It taught me a lot about staying true to yourself under pressure.”
During the competition, contestants were allowed only one 10-minute phone call each week, which Miller used to update his partner on business developments. He found the enforced absence from technology surprisingly manageable, saying, “It was surprising how quickly we all got used to life without phones.” This digital detox allowed him to engage in activities he usually wouldn’t prioritize, such as reading and completing puzzles.
Among the group of contestants, Miller encountered many strong personalities. He emphasized the professionalism of Lord Sugar’s advisers, noting, “Tim was very approachable and supportive behind the scenes, while Karren takes her role extremely seriously.” He also praised the production team for their management of the intense filming schedule, which involved long days and early starts.
Despite the high-pressure environment and the dramatic boardroom scenes the show is known for, Miller remained focused on his authentic self throughout the competition. “I didn’t feel the need to play up to the cameras or become someone I’m not. I went in to learn, to challenge myself, and to come out better than I went in – and I absolutely did that,” he affirmed.
As the series progresses, viewers can expect to see the candidates tackle various tasks, including creating a children’s book, selling products live on television, and hosting a corporate away day in El Gouna, Egypt. As contestants vie for Lord Sugar’s investment, they will be tested in their entrepreneurial skills and decision-making abilities over the course of twelve episodes.
The new season of The Apprentice promises to deliver engaging challenges and insights into the world of business, with Dan Miller among the candidates striving to impress both Lord Sugar and the viewing audience.
