With the announcement, that Nick is to leave the Apprentice after 10 years, who would you like to replace him?

ETA: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30527547

Claude!

I was going to post that!

Unfortunately I think it'll be Ricky Martin, which is why he was brought back in as an interviewer this time round.

I hope it's not Claude. We know he's an arse, but he was such a complete and utter arse to Solomon that I want to see as little of the horrible little man as possible in future.

I wouldn't mind Ricky taking over to be honest. And I can't think of any other likely candidates at the moment so can't even offer another one for discussion!

That was my thought too - it seemed just too random to be anything other than a grand plan of some sort... I'd guess they were waiting to see how his appearance went down before making the announcement about Nick...?

In all honesty, I'd fear for Claude's life if he did it. He'd probably self-combust by Week 3!!!

How about Jedi Jim....or this year's finalist Mark? Both have shown great aptiitude when it comes to ripping others to shreads!

*twiddles cigar* Oh c'mon fellas, The Apprentice..she a main stream dame, really appeals to them adults but nobody wanna be reminded that they're aging, we gots to appeal to the millennials.

Im thinking we gets ourselves one of them vocal butchers, we pull in a few favours and we get Jay Z, kids love them gentlemen rappers in them suits ya digs me? Infact scrap whatshername too, call is Chris Brown tell him its community service stick a fedora on him and badaboom we justs gots ourselves Generation Z! Nows thats I thinks about it, we could replace that there secretary too, hey that whatshername, Sticki Minaj? Yeah lets stick her in a skimpy business outfit only I is thinkin' we do away with the chair and desk and stick a pole from that ceiling to the floor, maybe a pony too Sticki loves them ponies I heard.
Whilst we're ats it we could super-impose an image of one of those internet feminists ya dig? You know, over the fact of lord sugar, ahhh forget about it we'll replace the sugar altogether, The Apprentice needs to get more spicey ya know. Actually the name 'The Apprentice' that dont sound no good, Im thinkin' we change that name to "D'em damn rich people", everyone hates rich people right?

Claude's too big to be following people around and sitting in the background. He needs his own show. So refereshing to see someone who isn't all touchy feely. People need to be told the way it is sometimes!

In that case, ship out LS and ship in Claude...maybe Solomon could facilitate all the 'shipping'!!!

I suppose it has to be a chap.

If not, my first choice would be Ruth Badger.

It will need someone who can sort of blend into the background so as not to influence the teams making a right f---up of the task but at the same time having the correct skills to be able to stand up and ensure LS gets the full picture so a keen eye and wit and most importantly be able to give the camera the WTF look when someone thinks you'll get a kosher chicken from a muslim butcher

Stella English

Not Claude for me, he's great on the interviews but too "in your face" overall for weekly viewing. Nick's subtlety was part of his success on the programme IMO.

Nick's become a parody of himself and Karen has taken lessons on facial contortion off him!

CLAUD CLAUD CLAUD, or perhaps Ricky Martin as 2nd choice.

I can see it being Mike Soutar for some reason

Actually, I would really like it to be Mike Soutar. Although I'd like Ricky Martin as well.

Alternatively, what about Tim Campbell, the first Apprentice winner? He has done very well for himself, and I believe is still on good terms with Lord Sugar.

Tim would be interesting, although perhaps the fact not all viewers will know him - it was NINE years ago! - might count against him? Not a show-stopper, of course, but that might count in Ricky's favour.

Whoever does replace Nick will also need to be willing to spend a lot of time filming the show. I wonder whether Mike Soutar would be willing to commit to this? Doing interviews is one thing, but doing an entire series involves dedicating several weeks. I do think he'd be good, though.

Piers Morgan

I think it may be Ricky as well; I wouldn't mind that as he actually has been in process and he did pretty good. Nick seemed a bit disinterested and bored in this series in my opinion; he didn't have much to say on interviews and often said little in boardrooms from what was shown. I think it will be time soon for Lord Sugar to give up as well; I think Peter Jones would fill this role much better now.

BIB Not really a point. Did anyone know Nick when The Apprentice first started?

As I said, definitely not a show-stopper. All I'm saying is that if it came down to a choice between Tim and Ricky, all other things being equal you would go with Ricky because he is more recent and therefore more identifiable. Not least because he has just appeared on the show ...

I agree. People thought that Margaret leaving would spoil the show, but Karren has fitted in really well, and has arguably become more recognisable than Margaret.

I have to say, I'm never sure why Karren seems to be so disliked by some people. I think she comes across as professional and thoughtful, and she's grown into the role over the last few years.

If it does end up being him, I'd see Ricky doing the same. He has the credibility of knowing what it's like to be a candidate, and he always came across as a bit of a character with a nice line in pithy soundbites. I thought he handled his interviews well - firm but fair, good questions, no histrionics. Exactly what you'd expect from someone who works in recruitment for a living!