The Apprentice really makes great television and although I am beginning to see the similarities of Big Brother very subtly emerging, what can you expect from rating-hungry BBC producers other than this? Sir Alan Sugar is only interested in finding an apprentice, he has enough money.

Ewan, Kirkmichael, Ayrshire

I think the name of the show should be changed from The Apprentice to Rascism In Action.

A. Shah, London,

I liked the show till yet, but its showing more of the bullying and this series I have seen bit of racism against sara dhada,

Zohair, Plymouth,

I find the programme very disturbing as it shows that bully and ruling on weak is the tool to win the race.They should punish who tries to be cheat and bully other candidates.It would prove better example rather then showing people that it is accaptable for a person to be liar as long as job is done

Shree, North London,

Perhaps Sir Alan should consider for his next series of The Apprentice to look at 15 people that are unemployed, in receipt of Jobseekers etc. Often these people for no fault of their own have found themselves out of work due to redundancy and other reasons.

I am sure most, if not all, have more initiative, saffy and ability to succeed than the motley crew he's got at the moment. Not one of them seems to have any common sense at all.

Sir Alan bangs on about his humble beginnings perhaps he should look in that direction rather than candidates who are already earning in excess of 50-90 grand. God knows how some of them came about that kind of salary.

annamaria smart, Hampshire,

This programme is not meant to be a realistic depiction of how to get ahead in business. Such a programme would be far too frightening, dispiriting and plain nasty. Best to stick to this pantomime version, and avoid the lawsuits. Unfair dismissal, sexism, racism and work place bullying don't make for good tv.
Do they....?

Stephen, London, UK

I was laughing so ahrd by the time the boys started laying blame atthe end in front of Sugar!
I could not believe that they all actually were grown up an dhad actual jobs!
I cant wait to watch this week's episode myself as i hope the 'leader' of the boys gets the boot!

Mo Ajayi, Ballyclare, Northern Ireland

How do these people get a job in the first place??? They have no idea what goes on in the real world. Do you think they all survive on M&S ready meals? Everyone knows that lobster either bought in a shop or in a restaurant is the most expensive thing on the menu!

Brilliant , jaw dropping viewing and can't wait for Raef and the greasy Michael Sophocles to get their comeuppance!

We haven't seen the whinging girls in full throttle yet!! Can't wait for next weeks episode.

Carol Jelenska, Fulham, London

Usual bunch of egomaniacs...albeit better eyecandy this year! A highly entertaining program....Alan and his two chums are hilarious....every company should have a Margaret and Nick...Alex did well not to bop some of the boys on the nose....the one who was fired deserved it - he came across as immature and an academic who was out of his depth. On the basis of one program I am gunning for Alex ......

Mark Lewis, Manchester, UK

I question why anyone would want to leave a well-paid career to do such demeaning tasks. Something doesn't stack up, but it's good fun to watch and talk about.

The real winner is Sir Alan, who gets free publicity. The Apprentices never last, because they were never good in the first place. £100K p.a. is not bad to get free publicity on prime time television.

Garry Sukhija, London, UK

Goya or Cezenne ? No it was Nick !!!

Ian Payne, WALSALL,

And so it begins! Second out, round four. Judging from initial assessment of the characters involved in this years, The Apprentice it is going to hugely enjoyable. So many egos to puncture.

Stephen, St. Ives, England

Saying that ineptitude and bullying supersede teamwork and professionalism and claiming this is a trait of the show and not the real business is dilluded. Having worked for several different companies, one of which is a market leader I can confidently say that the former occurr much more often than the latter.

I agree that the show does not quite recreate a business environment but this is not possible due to the nature of the competition. There is no space for teamwork when egos and the determination to win are too uncontrollable.

Long live King Alan and his show, it is brilliant television.

Phil, leeds, UK