An entrepreneur from Derby, Dan Miller, has secured a spot on the highly anticipated 20th series of BBC One’s The Apprentice, set to premiere on January 29, 2026. Beating out a significant pool of candidates, Miller is the founder of the careers company Young Professionals, which supports young people in securing apprenticeships and early career roles across the UK.
Miller, who hails from Smalley and has a deep affection for his hometown, established Young Professionals while still in school. He began developing the business from his bedroom using a laptop. Today, the company collaborates with schools, colleges, and employers nationwide, helping thousands of young people find their footing in the workforce.
As Miller embarks on this new journey, he will face off against 20 other contestants, all vying for the opportunity to become Lord Sugar’s next business partner. The opening episode was filmed in Hong Kong, where contestants undertook various high-pressure challenges, assessed by Lord Sugar’s trusted advisers, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell.
Miller expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “I started Young Professionals as a teenager and I’ve built the business instinctively and by myself. When I saw the opportunity to apply to go on the show, I thought it was the right moment to push myself and learn from some experienced business minds.”
The application process was rigorous, involving multiple full-day assessments and screen tests. While the BBC does not disclose the exact number of applicants, it is estimated that around 80,000 people apply each year. Although Miller cannot disclose his progress in the competition, he described the experience as “intense from start to finish,” noting that it provided him with a new perspective on his business.
One key takeaway from the competition was the necessity for quick decision-making. “Sometimes you have just 30 seconds to make a decision, and I’m used to seeking input from others before committing,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of resilience and leadership, stating that the experience taught him to trust his judgment under pressure.
Contestants were permitted only one ten-minute phone call each week, which Miller used to stay connected with his partner and address business matters. Despite the limitations on technology, he found the enforced digital detox to be manageable. “I was surprised by how quickly we all adapted to life without phones. I even read a couple of books and worked on some puzzles—things I typically wouldn’t do at home,” he shared.
Throughout the competition, Miller encountered many strong personalities, but he remained committed to being himself. He described both Karren Brady and Tim Campbell as highly professional and supportive figures. “You always knew you were being watched and assessed,” he noted.
Miller commended the production team for their support and the organization of the show, highlighting the intense schedule that contestants endure. “It’s a huge operation, and there’s so much that viewers don’t see. The BBC were incredibly supportive and made sure that we could perform at our best,” he stated.
While The Apprentice is known for its high-stakes tasks and dramatic boardroom confrontations, Miller found that the experience bolstered his confidence as a business leader. He affirmed, “I stayed true to who I am throughout. I didn’t feel the need to play up to the cameras or become someone I’m not.”
As the competition unfolds, the candidates will undertake a series of challenging tasks, including creating a children’s book, selling live on television, and hosting a corporate away day on the Red Sea in El Gouna, Egypt. Only one contestant will ultimately win Lord Sugar’s investment of £250,000.
The new series of The Apprentice promises to deliver both excitement and valuable insights into the world of business. Viewers can look forward to seeing how Dan Miller, along with his fellow contestants, navigates the challenges ahead in this dynamic environment. The show will be available on iPlayer and BBC One starting January 29, 2026.
