Lord Alan Sugar has pledged to fans that The Apprentice will return this year.
Viewers were left disappointed last spring when it emerged that the BBC1 show was being pulled because of the pandemic.
But the tycoon has revealed the production team is “fighting back” to get the show on air and work has begun on the 16th run.
The business guru, famous for his catchphrase “You’re fired!”, said producers are determined to beat “this bloody terrible virus”.
Lord Sugar, 73, declared: “I am pleased to say we are going to be cracking on with a new series of The Apprentice very soon.
“The pre-production phase has begun and plans are coming together to make sure we’re back on air later this year.” He said planning it amid regulations that could change “at the drop of a hat” is bound to be “frustrating” but the crew is committed.
Lord Sugar said: “We have one of the best teams in the business working around the clock.
“I can assure you they will do their absolute damnedest to get the show back on TV.
“The return of the programme will show the world that Britain is back on track and open for business once again.”
He said firms had taken “one hell of a battering” from Covid but he is “confident” they will rise to the challenge.
The show normally airs from October and pulls in eight million viewers.
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