Charlie Hedges on The Celebrity Apprentice: Interview
This festive season, a host of famous faces are stepping into the boardroom as The Apprentice returns with two celebrity Christmas specials in aid of BBC Children in Need.
The celebrities taking part are TV presenter AJ Odudu, Broadcaster and Podcaster Angela Scanlon, Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi, actor Jake Wood, singer and TV presenter JB Gill, paralympic athlete Kadeena Cox, Gladiators’ Legend Matt Morsia, barrister and TV presenter Rob Rinder, actor Sarah Hadland, comedian Shazia Mirza and businessman and TV personality Tom Skinner.
Tasked with putting the celebrities through their paces for Children in Need, Lord Sugar calls upon Santa Claus for help, who has just the thing! In this two-part Christmas special, the celebrity candidates are split into two groups and sent to Lapland, the official home of Santa, to develop their own gingerbread biscuits.
Not only will the celebrities have to create their own biscuit, but they will have to develop marketing for their product by creating an advert and a jingle - keep an eye out for a surprise sprinkle of stardust to help the celebrities on their merry way. Both teams will then have to face the dreaded task of pitching to retailers, to help secure those all-important sales – will they secure enough dough or crumble under the pressure?
Charlie Hedges on The Celebrity Apprentice
Why did you say yes to taking part in Celebrity Apprentice?
So first things first, when I found out that it was for Children in Need, to be honest with you, I didn't even ask for any more details. I just said yes off the back of that. I'm a mum myself. I've always, always, always wanted to do something for Children in Need. And I'm a massive fan of The Apprentice as well. So it is a dream come true, if I'm being completely honest. I feel really, really grateful that I got chosen.
You’re all tasked with going to Lapland to make a festive biscuit, how excited were you to discover that was the task?
Oh my god, I'm the biggest Christmas fan ever. So on our radio show, I actually get banned from saying the word Christmas between August and November. If I do say it, I get a forfeit on air because I love Christmas so much. So when I found it was in Lapland, I couldn't believe it. What a magical, magical experience and getting to create the product that we did. I still can't believe that what we've all made, as in both teams, is going to be available in shops, what an incredible experience.
What was it like filming in Lapland?
Honestly, I know this sounds really sad, but I actually cried as we were landing because I just felt so lucky. I really, really did. It's such an amazing opportunity to go out there and I feel really lucky. It's such a beautiful place. It’s magical. I'll never forget the week, honestly. I really won't.
What was it like coming back to the boardroom for a grilling by Lord Sugar?
It was so nerve wracking because it's such a big show and when you are sitting in that boardroom, it doesn't feel real. Because I am such a fan of the show and I know that the boardroom bit is obviously so important, I was kind of in awe of it, actually. So, yeah, it's nerve-racking. And also at the start of the week when you don't know what the challenge is, there's all sorts going through your mind because you just want to do a good job, not say anything silly. I feel like in life, you've just got to be yourself. If you are yourself, then you can't ask for anything more, can you? I just went in being myself. But I was the sweatiest ever, if you could see my hands now, they're sweaty again! It was like being back at school waiting to get told off. But it just ignited this fire in my belly where I'm like, “God, this is amazing. I could potentially get told off by Lord Sugar!” I was responsible for coming up with our product name, the rest of the team agreed to it, of course. But when Lord Sugar started talking about the name, I thought, “Right, I need to get in there and call myself out because I don't want anyone else coming down with me.” I probably didn't need to do that, I did expose myself, but you know what? Honesty is key and I'd rather get there before Lord Sugar does!
How would you sum up the whole experience?
It was a once in a lifetime experience. I'm so grateful to have been asked to do this for Children in Need. I cannot tell you how grateful I am. I feel blessed that I was a part of the experience and also just to have an insight into The Apprentice. As a viewer, I watch the show and it’s just mesmerising. So it was amazing to watch what goes on behind the scenes and how everyone works. And actually I think the production team needs a massive big up because they’re some of the very best people I've ever worked with.
Watch The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas Specials on iPlayer and BBC One on 29 and 30 December at 9pm