CELEBRITY Apprentice chief Mark Bouris says viewers can expect and emotional mix of celebrities in the third series of the reality TV show.
"There is so much competition for air space this time so there are some real toughies wanting to get their point across," says Bouris. "Both Dawn and Jeff are as tough as teak and then there is someone like Brian Mannix who is such a tough dude and has amazing survivorship qualities."
In the series, a cast list of well-known, controversial and we must add, questionably-tagged ‘celebrities’, work towards raising money for various charities, the best ultimately sashed with the title of Celebrity Apprentice 2013.
Bouris, a mega successful businessmen is the chairman/co-founder of wealth management company, Yellow Brick Road (formerly of Wizard fame), helms the successful series.
Think of Mr Bouris as the Donald Trump of reality TV, only with better hair, a handsome head and much more charisma.
Vying for boardroom supremacy this time round are names like Olympic legend Dawn Fraser, swimming queen Stephanie Rice, singer Prinnie Stevens, entertainer Rob Mills, ex-AFL star Dermott Brereton, former rock name Brian Mannix and Olympic athlete John Steffensen.
They will be joined by comic Peter Berner, PR matriarch Prue Macsween, TV face Peter Everett, Big Brother runner-up Layla Subritzky, Hollywood hoofer Kym Johnson and the mighty boxer, Jeff Fenech.
Bouris says this year there is an underlying theme and battle of the newbies versus the experienced with some smarty pants ‘tude coming from those who think they know it all.
"Yes, there is a sense with a few of them that ‘we have got it all ahead of us’ and they sometimes need to listen to those who have successfully survived,’’ says Bouris. "That is such a big part of success, how to survive in a tough world."
Bouris says some of the experienced apprentices, like Prue MacSween break down as they see things about themselves they have not seen before.
"Vulnerability doesn’t mean you are weak,’’ adds Bouris. “Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. Business doesn’t need to be conducted through qualities of fear, bullying and nastiness."
After a peek at the first few episodes, it seems Sydney-based PR chick Roxy Jacenko has taken over the reigns from season one stirrer, Deni Hines.
"Roxy doesn’t care who she spears and she think she knows every trick in the book,’’ says Bouris, grinning down the telephone line.
“She even sent flowers to my office which hasn’t happened in this series ever before."
As for the poolside golden girl, Stephanie Rice, Bouris has nothing but praise.
“I am really surprised how polished Stephanie she is. My pre-conception was much different but she is very adaptable, confident and always handles herself beautifully in the boardroom."
And what about rumours of a romance between Stephanie Rice and Rob Mills?
"Well, when they are all working together so closely and there is The Star in the mix (the celebs stayed at the Sydney hotel for the duration of the shooting), so who knows what could have happened?,’’ Bouris says wryly.
Another name who caught the apprentice chief off-guard was the often maligned Olympian John Steffensen.
"To be honest, I went into the series thinking we could be dealing with a spoiled brat here but I found he had an unbelievable presence, he is articulate and is a great person,’’
While the series has already been filmed, two endings have been shot.
Bouris says he is not deciding on the winner until the series has run its course.
“I want to watch it like viewers and see who really deserves the title at the end of the series."
The Celebrity Apprentice Australia, premieres on Tuesday April 30 at 8.40pm and will screen weekly on Channel 9.
