HE was famously sacked as Blackburn Rovers boss just three weeks after Venky's took over at Ewood Park - now Sam Allardyce is hoping to avoid hearing Lord Sugar's famous 'you're fired' cathcphrase as he takes part in Celebrity Apprentice.

Big Sam, who was relieved of his duties at Rovers in December 2010 says he hopes his vast “managerial experience” will help him on the show.

Allardyce is starring in a two-part programme for Comic Relief and says he is planning on taking his tactical knowledge and painstaking analysis into the boardroom.

Allardyce, who still lives in the North West, said: “I’m hoping my managerial experience will help me ‘off the field’ and I’ll be looking to outwit the girls’ team, but I’m fully prepared for them to be some fierce competition.”

The former, Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham boss - not forgetting England of course - will take part in the charity show alongside Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden and X Factor panellist Ayda Williams.

Two years after he lost his job at Rovers he said he was glad he was sacked by Venky's and claimed he'd been offered the Burnley job just two months later.

The show will see teams of five boys and five girls pitted against each other in a competition to design a themed charity event.

Interior designer Kelly Hoppen, journalist Rachel Johnson and actress and comedian Tameka Empson will complete the girls’ team.

Comedian Omid Djalili, broadcaster Richard Arnold, presenter Rylan Clark-Neal and comedian Russell Kane will join Allardyce in trying to win favour with Lord Sugar.

Allardyce lasted just over two months leading the national team in 2016, and oversaw just one game during his brief reign.

He has managed seven Premier League teams in his career as a manager.

He last managed Premier League side Everton before leaving the club in May 2018.

Britain’s Got Talent panellist Holden said: “I’m ready to take a step away from the judging panel to compete, and I’m thrilled to be taking part. I’m sure the girls’ team will be victorious.”

Lord Sugar’s advisers Baroness Brady and Claude Littner will observe the teams.

Celebrity Apprentice for Comic Relief will air ahead of Red Nose Day as a two-part special on Thursday March 7 and Friday March 8, at 9pm on BBC One, and live and on-demand on BBC iPlayer.