Nick Hewer, Lord Alan Sugar’s right-hand man is going to leave The Apprentice after ten years of loyal service, sitting next to Sugar while he berates a bunch of business nitwits.
Nick is a PR guru and has worked with Alan since way back in 1983. He acted as an advisor to the Amstrad brand and has been an advisor to the show since 2005.
Speaking about his departure, Nick said he felt it was the appropriate time, as he doesn’t quite have the same energy he used to, and he added that he felt "relief tinged with regret".
Nick and his colleague Karen Brady keep watch over the wide-eyed Apprentice contestants and whispered sweet business-y nothings into Lord Sugar’s ear, so he could decide who to scream “YOU’RE FIRED” at each week.
He said: "I've been pondering my departure from The Apprentice for a while and have decided that year 10 is the appropriate time.
"I've enjoyed being part of this wonderful television series for two reasons: firstly, because it's been fun and has opened up many unexpected opportunities for me, but more importantly, because I think The Apprentice is a truly valuable programme, teaching young people the basics of business - not in a classroom setting, but in a wonderfully entertaining format.
"And the winners each year validate the value of the show - talented, creative and hardworking young people, all of whom are making a great success of their businesses."
He added: "So I leave with relief, tinged with regret. Anyone can do what Karren and I have been doing, but it takes stamina to follow the candidates week after week, and my stamina is not up to those long weeks.
"I shall continue to enjoy the show from my armchair, marvelling at the candidates' self-esteem, at the sky-high production values of the producers and at the extraordinary talent of my old friend Alan Sugar."
We’ll miss you Nick. If you’re after your Hewer-fix you can catch him during the daytime hosting Countdown.