The Apprentice (British TV series) series 1

The first series of British reality television series The Apprentice was broadcast on BBC Two, from 16 February to 4 May 2005. After securing the rights to creating a British version of the American original, the BBC commissioned a total of twelve episodes, a standard that would be used for consecutive series. It is the only series not to feature a boardroom scene after a candidate quit the programme following a task. Alongside the twelve episodes that were produced, two specials were also created and aired – "The Story So Far" on 2 April, bringing viewers up to speed on the series; and "You're Hired!" on 7 May, airing after the series finale. The format of the latter would be later adapted for use in The Apprentice: You're Fired, beginning the following year.

Fourteen candidates took part in the first series, with Tim Campbell eventually winning. Excluding specials, the series averaged roughly around 2.5 million viewers during its broadcast.