The Apprentice’s new series has been postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Filming for the 16th season was due to start in the coming weeks, with the show usually airing in the autumn, but the programme’s production company Boundless have put a stop to that as a result of the current world health crisis.
A BBC spokesman told The Sun Online: "In light of the spread of COVID-19, after much consideration, Boundless the producers of ‘The Apprentice’, have postponed filming in consultation with and supported by the BBC.
"We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England."
And there is said to be a concern that the series – fronted by businessman Lord Sugar – "may not air at all" because of COVID-19.
A source said: "Filming has been scrapped for the foreseeable future so this year’s series may not air at all because of the coronavirus.
"There were trips abroad planned which can’t be filmed now, on top of the rest of the show – so everyone is expecting it to be cancelled altogether as there’s no knowing how long lockdown will go on for."
The Apprentice’s postponement comes after production on a number of TV shows was halted due to the coronavirus spread, including ‘Line of Duty’ and ‘Call the Midwife’.
What’s more, daytime shows ‘Lorraine’ and ‘Loose Women’ have been temporarily axed, and filming on the soaps, ‘Coronation Street’, ‘EastEnders’, ‘Hollyoaks’ and ‘Emmerdale’ has been paused.
The serial dramas are still airing episodes at the moment, but all have a reduced schedule.
The Apprentice postponed amid coronavirus
