In a major presenting shake-up for one of the BBC's most popular business shows, Angela Scanlon has been confirmed as the new host of The Apprentice: Unfinished Business. The announcement comes after the emotional departure of former presenter Tom Allen, who stepped down after six years at the helm.
From the Ballroom to the Boardroom
The news was officially revealed on the show's Instagram page on 15 January 2026. A statement alongside a photo of Scanlon declared: “Angela Scanlon has packed her briefcase and is ready for business – this time, to present The Apprentice: Unfinished Business!”
The Irish television presenter, who became a household name after her stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 with professional partner Carlos Gu, is a familiar face across the BBC. Her appointment has sparked further speculation about her future with the corporation, as she has also been rumoured as a potential successor to Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on the main Strictly show following their exits at the end of 2025.
What to Expect from the New-Look Show
The Apprentice: Unfinished Business is the weekly spin-off that has followed the main programme for the past six years. The format sees the week's fired candidate interviewed, with a panel of experts and celebrity fans dissecting the drama and behind-the-scenes details from the latest episode.
The BBC confirmed that Scanlon will lead these discussions, with the show available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. In a playful response to a fan on social media, Scanlon herself wrote: "YES!!! BBC Two straight after the main show xx".
Fan Reaction and Tom Allen's Emotional Farewell
The reaction from viewers to Scanlon's casting has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded social media with messages of support, with one writing "Love this!! Yes pleaseeeee", and another declaring "You’re Hired! Welcome onboard." A third simply stated it was "Omg amazing amazing".
The role became vacant after Tom Allen's decision to leave. He shared an emotional statement on Instagram, paying tribute to his colleagues and joking about his own business acumen. "I have decided, after six years, to say goodbye to The Apprentice: You’re Fired," Allen said. He added, "I was also getting concerned Lord Sugar might realise I know nothing about business." He thanked Lord Sugar, Karren Brady, and Tim Campbell for their support.
Scanlon's new gig follows a successful guest-hosting stint on ITV's This Morning in December 2025, where she filled in for an unwell Emma Willis alongside Dermot O'Leary. Her performance led to viewers demanding she be given a permanent role on the daytime show, with one fan on X (formerly Twitter) stating: "Angela Scanlon is FANTASTIC hosting This Morning. Needs to be full-time."
With her blend of mischief and sharp interviewing skills, the BBC will be hoping Angela Scanlon brings a fresh and engaging energy to the dissection of Lord Sugar's boardroom battles when The Apprentice: Unfinished Business returns to screens.
