The Apprentice faces being cancelled this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Bosses have decided to postpone filming on the new series and were forced to cancel two trips abroad.
With no end in sight to the UK lockdown, the BBC and production company Boundless made the decision to cancel all work on the popular business show.
Filming was reportedly due to begin in the coming weeks but the rapid spread of coronavirus has put the series in jeopardy.
The BBC supported the postponement and are reviewing production of their shows on a case by case basis.
A BBC spokesman said: "In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, Boundless the producers of The Apprentice, have postponed filming in consultation with and supported by the BBC.
"We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England."
There are fears that the whole series may have to be cancelled - with Lord Sugar returning to our screens in 2021.
A source told The Sun : "Filming has been scrapped for the foreseeable future so this year's series may not air at all because of the coronavirus.
"There were trips abroad planned which can't be filmed now, on top of the rest of the show - so everyone is expecting it to be cancelled altogether as there's no knowing how long lockdown will go on for.
"It's a real shame as it is massively popular and brings in millions of viewers but we can't see how it's going to be possible to get it out on time."
The BBC have come up with an extensive plan for their programming while the UK goes into lockdown amid coronavirus.
The broadcaster has vowed to upkeep its principles to keep the nation informed, educated and entertained in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The BBC have pledged to look after UK citizens with informative programmes and news reports on the virus.
Highlights of their plan include exercise classes for the elderly, religious services on a Sunday, food advice for elderly and low-income families and education for different age groups.
They also want to keep the nation entertained by adding a whole host of popular shows back onto BBC iPlayer.
The broadcaster put an emphasis on escapism with entertainment as they planned to bring back old favourite TV shows - from Spooks to The Missing.
Director-General Tony Hall said: “We all know these are challenging times for each and every one of us. As the national broadcaster, the BBC has a special role to play at this time of national need.
“We need to pull together to get through this. That’s why the BBC will be using all of its resources - channels, stations and output - to help keep the nation informed, educated and entertained. We are making a series of changes to our output to achieve that.
“We will continue to deliver all the essential news and information - with special programming and content.
“We also will do everything from using our airwaves for exercise classes for older people, religious services, recipes and advice on food for older people and low income families, and should schools close, education programming for different age groups.
"We will also be launching a whole new iPlayer experience for children. And of course there will be entertainment - with the ambition of giving people some escapism and hopefully the odd smile.
“Clearly there will be disruption to our output along the way, but we will do our very best. It will take time to emerge from the challenges we all face, but the BBC will be there for the public all the way through this.”
