The Apprentice 2017 cast revealed: Meet this year's candidates hoping to impress Lord Sugar

"Intimidation is what motivates me. I want to be bigger and more successful than anyone else."

Age: 26

Occupation: Owner of a recruitment firm

Lives: Birmingham

James believes no-one has ambition like he does, putting it among his best qualities along with his drive. He used to have the nickname "Del Boy" and feels his good energy will take him far. James' hobbies include white collar boxing.

"When life throws you lemons, make and sell lemonade for a healthy profit."

Age: 24

Occupation: Management consultant

Lives: Manchester

Charles is not only a management consultant, he also has business interests in a watch trading company and a comparison website. He says he'll stop at nothing to win – as long as it's within the rules. Charles adds that he's passionate, driven and determined, but also admits he talks a lot and isn't always the best at listening.

"I am the definition of a girl boss – I get things done and make things happen."

Age: 25

Occupation: Owner of a clothing company

Lives: Derbyshire

Sarah loves being her own boss – she owns a ladies' fashion shop – and believes her loyalty is one of her best qualities. She reckons being herself and never letting her guard down will be key to success on the show.

"I'm usually the smartest person in any room and I'll make sure people know that."

Age: 29

Occupation: Digital Product Consultant

Lives: Essex

Ross doesn't have a business role model – he wants to do things his own way and trust his own judgment. He's also planning to let other Apprentice candidates trip themselves up during the process – letting them dig their own graves before burying them in the boardroom.

"I am like a Chinese dish – potent, deliciously driven, full of flavour and I sure do sizzle."

Age: 24

Occupation: Owner of an events company

Lives: London

As well as running his events company, Sajan is head of HR for a health and safety consultancy. He says he's good at reading people, but admits that he doesn't always listen well. Sajan also claims most of the candidates will be using him as their role model after the series is over.

"I have no patience for people who say stupid stuff, and I can't cope with lazy people."

Age: 33

Occupation: Business owner in construction

Lives: Bolton

Michaela's immersed in the building sector, mostly working on the day-to-day operations of a construction magazine. She tries to be positive and easy-going, seeing the best in all situations, but admits she can sometimes have a short fuse. Oh, and she's got no time for any men who talk down to her.

"I fly aeroplanes, scuba dive, jump off cliffs, paraglide; I'm a blogger and a mother – as well
as running my wedding planning business. A lot of people call me superwoman."

Age: 34

Occupation: Owner of a wedding company

Lives: London

Siobhan says her role model is KFC founder Colonel Sanders, because "at the age of 65, he had knocked on over 1,000 doors over a period of two years trying to sell his recipe before getting his first yes – he never gave up on his dream". She says she's very direct, but that people can sometimes take this the wrong way.

"Women are like tea bags – you don't know how strong they are until you put them in hot water."

Age: 35

Occupation: Owner of a confectionery company

Lives: London

Sarah describes herself as a people person, and says her ability to sell is one of her greatest strengths. Sarah, whose sweet gifting business focuses on retailers and corporate clients, says she doesn't need gameplaying tactics to win the show – she's just going to be herself.

"My demeanour can be related to the saying 'Don't wake a sleeping lion' – If you underestimate me I might just bite."

Age: 23

Occupation: Digital Marketing Manager

Lives: Manchester

Joanna says that her determination is one of her best qualities, along with being "a great talker". She's got no time for being patronised, but has promised to "remain resilient" throughout the show.

"My big feet are good for two things; getting me into trouble as they're as big as my mouth and I constantly get them stuck in it, but... they also kick butt."

Age: 39

Occupation: Owns a florist chain

Lives: Nottinghamshire

Rather self-deprecatingly, Elizabeth describes herself as a "slightly bonkers country girl" with a love of dogs and horses. She describes herself as hands-on, good at making snap decisions, honest and someone who "shoots from the hip".

"I've been raised not to be a pushover – in the words of Destiny's Child, 'I'm an independent woman'."

Age: 34

Occupation: Owner of a clothing company

Lives: Surrey

Bushra is owner and designer of luxury fashion label for Muslim women, and says her skills and determination will take her to success on the show. She admits she can be pushy to get what she wants. Bushra's business inspiration? Coco Chanel.

"I'm extremely emotionally intelligent and able to get the best out of people. I am a brilliant negotiator and I'm not all talk – I put every weird idea into action and gets results."

Age: 25 

Occupation: PR and marketing manager 

Lives: Manchester

Jade says her greatest skills are her creativity and passion – in her day job, she creates content to promote her clients on social media. Jade says she finds it easy to make friends and build bonds with people, as she believes she's got a keen ability to pick up on others' behaviours.

"I've got everything Lord Sugar needs in a business partner. I'm passionate, dynamic and persistent – he'll love that."

Age: 36

Occupation: Owns a PR fashion agency

Lives: Surrey

Anisa says she's good at winning in business and "all action" – but admits she can find it hard to listen and loses patience if people are slow to get a concept.

"I have a good work ethic and am always willing to work to full capacity to achieve my goals."

Age: 27

Occupation: Sales executive

Lives: Watford

Harrison knows that he's got to work hard to be successful, and he started his own landscaping business when he was 19. His business ventures include property development, a healthy eating brand and a luxury streetwear brand.

"I don't get on with people with a stick up their arse."

Age: 32

Occupation: Owns an online retail store

Lives: Kent

Daniel believes his best quality is his loyalty, but warns he's not 'a doormat' and his trust shouldn't be taken for granted. He runs an e-retail cosmetic business but admits to being disorganised and regularly leaving things to the last minute. He prides himself on being straightforward and honest, but can sometimes rub people up the wrong way 'because the truth is hard to hear'.

 "I bring character, charm and swagger to the table. Coupled with my professional and educational experience, I am sure I will be able to separate myself from the rest."

Age: 28

Occupation: Business analyst

Lives: London

Business analyst Jeff has been a fan of the show since he was a teen. He's also a semi-professional hip-hop dancer who's performed at The O2. His aim is to build a business legacy on a par with that of Lord Sugar.