Karren Brady has given a health update for her Apprentice co-star Claude Littner amid his absence from the second episode of the BBC One business show.
The 73-year-old was forced to bow out of the previous series following a horror bike accident, which saw doctors consider amputating his leg after the fall.
Claude was replaced by Tim Campbell last year and now the former winner of the show has again stepped into the aide’s chair alongside Lord Alan Sugar.
Committed viewers of The Apprentice will remember Tim Campbell as the original Apprentice, beating Saira Khan back in 2005 to win the series' prize of a £100,000-a-year job with Alan Sugar.
While Claude appeared on he first episode, he will again be absent from the series after episode one, due to ‘medical issues’.
Speaking to the press, Lord Sugar stated: “Obviously it's been a great journey starting with [aide from 2005 to 2014 ] Nick Hewer and then Claude.
“Unfortunately, Claude suffered some medical issues and so I was asked to think of someone else, and who better than somebody who's actually been through the process?”
Karren added on Claude: “He's really in good health.
“I spoke to him last week, he is in good health and feeling great. He obviously comes back to the interviews.”
When probed about whether Claude will be back for next year's confirmed series, Karren seemed hopeful.
"Potentially," she responded. "It's entirely, I would imagine, up to him and how he's feeling."
Claude will indeed be back to the business show later this series for the interview stage of the process, which was an episode he returned for last year as well.
Speaking to The Mirror and other press at The Apprentice launch this year, Lord Sugar explained his thought process in appointing Tim to step into Claude’s shoes.
He said: “Unfortunately, Claude suffered some medical issues and so I was asked to think of someone else and who better than somebody who's actually been through the process?
“It was a bit of a no-brainer really because when it comes to making the excuses that these candidates do, you've got Tim there, who's seen it and heard it all.
“That's why I warn the candidates that there is no pulling the wool over his eyes.”
Tim went on to note that Claude’s shoes were ‘massive to fill’, but said it was a huge privilege to be invited back as an aide for a second year.
