Counterpoint for light and shade in range of opinions expressed : The Rebel Billionaire was utterly cretinous and the worst reality show I've ever had the misfortune to watch.

I have the very distinct impression that Karren Brady is being lined up as the new 'host'. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to hear an announcement on Sunday...

I really don't think that she would do it. I remember seeing an interview with her (or maybe it was Nick) a while back, who said that if Lord Sugar went, they both intended to go as well. She is very loyal to Lord Sugar. Which is a shame, as I actually think she'd make a great host, so if she's changed her mind on that I'm delighted, but I doubt it.

I agree it's highly unlikely, although I also agree Karren would probably be a good replacement for Sugar.

Have there been any women taking the role of the boss character in any of the international versions of this format? I don't believe I have ever heard of one.

Pretty sure the US version had a woman boss for one season

Martha Stewart which flopped in the ratings.

I remember that series - the Discovery channel showed it here as the BBC only broadcast the Trump version.

I actually found Martha's series hilarious - her slogan was 'you just don't fit in' and she also wrote letters to the candidates being sent home each week to explain to them why she fired them and offering tips for the future.

Here was one example of her love letters at the end of each show!

"Chuck, in a business like Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, teams work in unison toward a common goal: success. The project can be simple or complex, but the team makes it happen. There was no team-work here, and little leadership. I think you are creative, but easily flustered in a confusing situation. It is better that you leave now and concentrate on your strength"

So bad it was good! I would love to see her doing a show like this with Lord Sugar - you can guarantee they would dislike each other.

I don't think that Karren has the required status or gravitas at all. She's only there because they had to find a woman to replace Margaret and Karren overtly favours female candidates. Peter Jones would be my choice. And I agree that it should go back to offering a job as a prize, not finance for a business.

I don't think she favours female candidates at all. She is unashamedly a proud supporter of women in business (not that that is a bad thing), but she always gives male candidates credit where it's due, and is completely frank when women mess up. In fact, I think she is particularly outspoken about poor performing women, as these people go against everything she stands for.

Problem is only someone like a Branson has good enough jobs to offer, from a wide enough set of interets. And the more interesting the job, the fewer candidates will fit it.

it would be easier, and make more sense, if they took 21-23 year olds, for a lower level job., they could do the same or similar tasks. But, then, you wouldn't have such a diverse group.

The Norwegian version, which was one of the early international versions, had a female boss.
The Irish celebrity version also had a woman in charge.

I don't understand the love in towards Peter Jones on here. I find him as dull as ditch water and hasn't he flopped in a similar program as apprentice? It we're going down the 'Dragons' route then Theo with his one liners would be the ideal replacement to Shuggs for me: -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoWDgg5Fhow

and my personal favourite "It's as useless as a pair of knickers on a kipper"