A new contender has emerged in the competitive landscape of BBC One’s *The Apprentice* for its upcoming 20th series. Dan Miller, an entrepreneur from Derby, has secured a coveted place on the show after outshining thousands of applicants. The series is set to premiere on January 29, 2026, and Miller will be among 20 candidates vying for the opportunity to become the next business partner of Lord Sugar.
Dan, originally from Smalley, is the founder of Young Professionals, a careers company dedicated to helping young individuals secure apprenticeships and early career roles. He started the business while still in school, managing to build it from his bedroom with just a laptop. Today, Young Professionals collaborates with schools and employers nationwide, assisting thousands of students in navigating the early stages of their careers.
The opening episode of *The Apprentice* was filmed in Hong Kong, where contestants faced a series of challenges designed to test their business acumen under significant time constraints. Throughout the show, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell serve as Lord Sugar’s advisers, evaluating each contestant’s performance.
Miller expressed his eagerness to participate, 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 for the show, I thought it was the right moment to push myself and learn from experienced business minds.” The application process was rigorous, involving multiple full-day assessments and screen tests, with speculation suggesting around 80,000 individuals apply annually.
While the specific details of his journey on the show must remain undisclosed, Dan described the experience as “intense from start to finish,” remarking on the valuable insights he gained regarding decision-making in high-pressure environments. “Sometimes you have just 30 seconds to make a decision, and I’m more accustomed to consulting others before committing,” he explained. “On the show, you’re constantly against the clock, and you have to trust your judgment.”
Contestants faced strict communication limitations, allowing only one 10-minute phone call per week. Dan utilized his call to stay updated on his business, which he found surprisingly manageable. “The enforced digital detox was not as difficult as I feared. We quickly adapted to life without phones,” he noted, adding that he engaged in activities like reading and solving puzzles during his downtime.
Among the diverse personalities in the competition, Dan remained focused on authenticity. He praised Karren and Tim for their professionalism, highlighting Tim’s supportive demeanor and Karren’s serious approach to her role. He acknowledged the extensive efforts of the production team, adding, “It’s a huge operation, and there’s so much the viewers don’t see. The BBC was incredibly supportive and ensured contestants could perform at their best.”
Miller emphasized that the high-pressure environment of the show ultimately bolstered his confidence as a business leader. “I stayed true to who I am throughout the process. I didn’t feel the need to play up to the cameras or become someone I’m not. I entered to learn, challenge myself, and emerge as a better version of myself – and I absolutely achieved that.”
The series promises a range of demanding tasks, including creating a children’s book, selling live on television, and organizing a corporate away day in El Gouna, Egypt. With Lord Sugar prepared to invest £250,000 in the winning candidate, the stakes are high for this season’s contestants.
As anticipation builds for the new series, viewers can look forward to witnessing Dan Miller and his fellow competitors navigate the challenges ahead on *The Apprentice*, premiering soon on BBC One and available on iPlayer.
