Alan Sugar says he doesn't really understand the thought process behind The Apprentice ’s schedule change.
The BBC has moved the hit business reality show from a Wednesday to Thursday slot as the series is set to return after a two-year hiatus.
The Apprentice will now air later in the week at 9pm, straight after Dragon’s Den, a change which Lord Sugar said he “only noticed this week”.
He said: “I'm not quite sure what the thinking is - maybe they’re making Thursday business night.”
Lord Sugar joked that viewers could become “so bored” watching Dragon’s Den that they “might not bother” tuning in to The Apprentice afterwards.
He continued: “This is a BBC decision which was not shared with me, but it shouldn’t make a difference whatsoever.
“I should imagine that it would be a nice warm up for The Apprentice, moving the scheduling to Thursday.
“From social media I can see that there is a hunger from people that are very anxious for it to come back on the screens.”
Lord Sugar also announced that he intends to continue his role on The Apprentice for at least four more runs before he considers retiring.
He also offered a glimpse of what the final task could be for the candidates in series 20.
He said: “I've already worked out the final task in the [last] series, which is to arrange my funeral to see how well they arrange it and what kind of coffin that they would get from me."
He continued: "Please enjoy this current series, which I'm sure you will, but I can assure you that while I've got health and strength in my body, it'll continue."
Lord Sugar will be joined in the boardroom once again by Baroness Karren Brady as well as former winner Tim Campbell, who will step in for Claude Littner after he pulled out due to a cycling accident.
*The Apprentice returns this Thursday, January 6 at 9pm on BBC One, followed by You’re Fired on BBC Two. Watch live and on-demand on BBC iPlayer
