The Isle of Wight was in the spotlight when The Apprentice broadcast on BBC1 last night (19th March 2026).
The popular business-based reality show, celebrating a milestone 20th series, is headed by businessman Lord Alan Sugar, who passes his judgement each week, whittling an initial cast of 20 to just one ‘apprentice’ to invest £250 000 plus mentorship in their business idea.
Nine items at discounted prices
Featuring the remaining ten candidates, the episode focused on a task to find nine items, purchase them at discounted prices and rendezvous for a thrilling climax at a chosen location – although it was undoubtedly the Isle of Wight and its businesses who were the real stars of the show.
The discount-buying task episode – a fan favourite – saw the two teams meet at The Hut at Colwell Bay to receive a list of deliberately misleading or vaguely named items to source at the best possible price, with a timed deadline of 5pm to get to Hovertravel in Ryde.
Items examples included ‘something blue’ (an Isle of Wight sparkling blue wine), a ‘red duster’ (a flag used by sailors) and a ‘bird’s nest’ (an Isle of Wight doughnut).
Filmed in Summer 2025
The episode was filmed on a sunny day in June 2025, with the teams making their way across the Isle of Wight in a bid to purchase the correct items.
The two groups struggled to identify some of the elements, achieving the final list with varying degrees of success before boarding the hovercraft at Ryde.
Highlights of the show included digging for garlic and mucking out goats, all to achieve the best possible price from the businesses.
Wray: The Island was showcased at its very best
Dominic Wray, Chief Executive at Visit Isle of Wight said:
“Broadcast to millions on BBC One, with further coverage in The Apprentice: Unfinished Business on BBC Two and additional viewing expected on BBC iPlayer, the Isle of Wight has gained exceptional exposure at a key time for holiday bookings.
“With sunshine on the day of filming, the Island was showcased at its very best.
Behind the scenes saw an Island-wide effort initiated by Visit Isle of Wight.
Local businesses shine
The Royal Hotel in Ventnor provided accommodation for Lord Sugar’s advisors Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE, while the candidates and some of the crew stayed at the nearby Wellington Hotel.
The production team travelled across the Solent with Wightlink and additional filming facilities saw local drone experts Procam Films get involved. The Isle of Wight’s official film office, Film Wight, managed permissions for the crew to ensure the day went as smoothly as possible.
Dominic Wray added,
“This opportunity was made possible through the support of Visit Isle of Wight and builds on our ongoing work to promote the Island, funded by the Wight BID.
“We encourage all tourism businesses to continue supporting the Wight BID, so we can keep the Isle of Wight front of mind for people planning their next holiday.”
You can watch the full programme on the BBC iPlayer now.
News shared by Simon on behalf of Visit Isle of Wight. Ed
