The Apprentice 2018 candidates revealed – Meet the business hopefuls seeking to impress Lord Sugar

And of course, Claude will be on hand to advise, too. Now, it's time to find out more about this year's candidates – all of whom are hoping to secure a £250,000 investment in their business plan and a partnership with Lord Sugar.

"I'm a serious Mumpreneur who doesn't have time for timewasters and idiocy."

Khadija, from Lincolnshire, is a 28-year owner of an eco cleaning company. Whilst she says that she has a bit of a 'hot head', Khadija also credits her people skills as her best business asset.

"There are very few people that can genuinely say they're going to make it – but I know that I'm going to."

A 28-year-old tree surgeon, Tom, who's from Southampton, runs his own successful arboricultural business. He believes his loyalty is his best quality, but admits he can find it difficult to switch off. He says he's drawn to situations that intimidate him and is keen to take on the challenge.

"My friends and family call me the Duracell bunny as I take on so much and never stop.  I just keep going."

David's 32 and lives in East Yorkshire. A tax advisor, he says that he's happy to talk to anyone about anything but finds it challenging when people aren't getting on board with his positive attitude. He also feels that trusting others too easily has been his downfall before now.

"My personality sells me, my passion to succeed and work ethic."

Sarah, 29, lives in Manchester and owns a children's acting academy. She wants to be a role model to her young daughter, and believes that her biggest strength is her creativity. Sarah says that she's not good with business terminology and gets angry when people turn their noses up at the working-class demographic. "I am me, I don't have a posh accent or pretend to be anyone else," she says. 

"I'm going to lay down the law in the boardroom."

Sarah is aged 37 and based on Teeside. She's a director at a law firm, as well as owning her own nursery furniture business. She says that her loyalty, commitment and ability to remain calm under pressure are her best qualities.

"I won't pussyfoot and waste time, as time is of the essence in everything."

Rick is a 33-year-old quality controller from Lancashire. He believes that his confidence and assertiveness make him good at getting the most out of others. Rick plans to befriend all of his fellow contestants in order to get their backing in tasks, although he also warns that he can be a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'.

"I'm a bundle of energy and creativity and certainly a one off... ain't no Vanilla Camilla"

Camilla, who's 22, lives in Lancashire and owns a nut milk brand. She's a people person and keen to try anything new and exciting – whether that's skydiving or swimming with sharks – and describes herself as a bit of an adrenaline junkie. As she feels her openness can sometimes count against, her, Camilla says she'll be keeping her cards close by during The Apprentice.

"I bring both the passion and the fire – in the boardroom, I will be merciless."

At 25 years old, Sian, who lives in Leeds, owns and runs her own swimwear brand, and she boasts celebrities and stylists amongst her clients. She says that she "came from nothing and worked her way to the top".

 "I'll be honest, I don't eat, sleep, breathe business but I do eat, sleep and breathe success."

Kurran is a 22-year-old law graduate from London. His father started his own airline, which Kurran says is the inspiration behind his own business ethic. He believe that he'll breeze through the process by being himself.

"All is fair in love and war... and business is war."

Jasmine is 34 years old, and lives in the West Midlands. Her career involves training others to better themselves, helping them to develop their skills. She says that she loves enabling and empowering people.  Whilst Jasmine admits that she can be very stubborn, she aims to use her charm and charisma to see her through the process.

"I am a mix of Willy Wonka drinking an espresso martini... classy and sophisticated on the outside; inside, a little bit crazy and wacky but full of brilliant ideas."

Sabrina is a 22-year-old owner of a tennis events company and lives in Middlesex. She set up her first business at the age of 14, selling retro sweets as part of a Young Enterprise Scheme. Sabrina admits that she sometimes makes "silly comments" without thinking, but also believes she can capture an audience.

"I know everything. Call me 'Google'... it's my middle name."

Alex is 21 years old. An IT analyst from the Wirral, he thinks his gift of the gab is his best skill, and cites Elon Musk and his grandfather (who invented a machine mould to coat chocolate bars and biscuits) as his business role models.

"If you're not your own biggest fan, who do you expect to be it for you?"

Kayode is a 26-year-old professional public speaker from Cheshire. He travels all around the country to deliver inspirational speeches to young people. He thinks that his personality and natural likability will bring him success in the boardroom.

"There's no need to watch your back when I'm already two steps in front."

Aged 27, Frank's a senior marketing manager who lives in London. He's not afraid to be brutal, or play others against each other to reach his aims – and he's got no time for slackers. A self-proclaimed trendsetter, Frank admits he likes to push boundaries with his humour, and uses charisma and charm to help build morale.

"I'm not intimidated by anybody, or anything."

Jackie's a 34-year-old sponsorship consultant who lives in London. She actually sold her company in 2016 and published a book about business last year. Jackie puts her success down to her positive attitude – although admits that she can be very opinionated and finds taking criticism hard.

"I have the beauty and the brains, typically people only have one. I was blessed with both in abundance."

28-year-old Daniel lives in London and owns a lifestyle brand. He set up his business last year and says that he's a bit like Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street, because he's got business skills but also loves to lead a lavish, party lifestyle.

The Apprentice will air weekly on Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One, from Wednesday, October 3, followed by You're Fired at 10pm on BBC Two.