The Apprentice’s Nick Hewer will no longer be lighting up our lives with his dry wit, one-liners and animated eyebrows as he’s revealed he won’t be returning to the show next year.

What has life become?!

Lord Sugar’s sidekick is leaving the boardroom for good after nearly 10 years on the hit show which began in 2005.

The PR guru has worked with Lord Sugar since 1983 when he began promoting the Amstrad brand before slipping into the shoes of the businessman’s advisor on the show.

“I’ve been pondering my departure from The Apprentice for a while and have decided that year 10 is the appropriate time,” Nick admitted.

“I’ve enjoyed being part of this wonderful television series for two reasons: firstly, because it’s been fun and has opened up many unexpected opportunities for me, but more importantly, because I think The Apprentice is a truly valuable programme, teaching young people the basics of business – not in a classroom setting, but in a wonderfully entertaining format.

“And the winners each year validate the value of the show – talented, creative and hard-working young people, all of whom are making a great success of their businesses.

“So I leave with relief, tinged with regret. Anyone can do what Karren and I have been doing, but it takes stamina to follow the candidates week after week, and my stamina is not up to those long weeks.

“I shall continue to enjoy the show from my armchair, marvelling at the candidates’ self-esteem, at the sky-high production values of the producers and at the extraordinary talent of my old friend Alan Sugar,” the 70-year old added.

Nick Hewer
(Carolyn Nicoll/PA)

Don’t worry guys, he’s not out of our lives for good – you can still catch him on Countdown on Channel 4.