Is Claude Littner on The Apprentice and what happened to him?
WITH its high drama, and brutal firings, The Apprentice has been thrilling fans since it burst onto our television screens in 2005.
The show sees Lord Alan Sugar in charge with his trusted aides - but fans have been left wondering if Claude Littner will be back for season 18.
Who is Claude Littner?
Born on 4 May, 1949, in New York City, Claude Littner is a business executive with an impressive CV.
While he is perhaps best known for his appearances on The Apprentice, there is more to him than his role in the hit TV show.
I’ve been speaking to Claude regularly about his recovery and, of course, hope we see him back in The Apprentice boardroom very soon.
Lord Alan Sugar
Following his work in accountancy, he became a turnaround specialist.
He has been a chairman for many of Lord Alan Sugar's companies, which includes Amstrad International, Amstrad Spain and Dancall Telecom.
In 2009, Alan handed him a majority of his UK directorships, which includes the chairman post at Viglen.
Claude's other work with Lord Sugar includes being the Tottenham Hotspur F.C's Chief Executive from 1993 to 1998, when Alan owned the club.
What is Claude Littner's net worth?
Following his long and successful career, Claude has made a huge fortune.
As of 2024, he has an impressive net worth of £34M.
However, this is nowhere near Lord Alan Sugar's net worth, who has an estimated fortune of a whopping £1.2 billion.
Is Claude Littner on The Apprentice?
In 2015, Claude replaced Nick Hewer on The Apprentice.
He was a staple on the show until 2022, when he had to take a step back because of health issues.
Claude said in a statement at the time: “Whilst I’m disappointed that I won’t be out and about covering the tasks or in boardroom for this upcoming series, I’ll most definitely be glued to the action from my sofa.”
Instead Tim Campbell was drafted in to replace Claude, and he has been on the show ever since.
Lord Sugar 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."
He added: “I’ve been speaking to him regularly about his recovery and, of course, hope we see him back in the boardroom very soon.”
Talking about bringing Tim in, Alan said: "So it was a bit of a no-brainer really, because when it comes to making excuses like these candidates do, you've got Tim there, who's been there, done that, seen it and heard it all," he continued.
"And that's why I warn the candidates also that there's no pulling the wool over his eyes, so to speak."
Good news for Claude fans though, he will be involved in the "interview stage" of The Apprentice 2024.
This is normally the penultimate episode of the series, and will see him scrutinise the candidates' business plans.
What happened to Claude Littner?
In April 2021, Claude suffered a horror injury whilst cycling.
The businessman was riding an electric bike in London when he fell off.
Claude's right leg was so badly injured that doctors considered amputating it.
However, they managed to save it and he has since undergone ten surgeries.
Who is Claude Littner's wife?
Claude has been married to his wife Thelma since 1976.
In 1997, his devoted spouse was at his side when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
They have two sons named Anthony and Alex, and also have five grandchildren.