Claude Littner is known for putting the screws on candidates in the interview episode of The Apprentice.

But his new role as Lord Sugar’s aide has given him unprecedented access to all the candidates’ most hapless, triumphant and miserable moments – so who better to give their verdict on who’s in with a chance and who’s soon to be shown the door.

The Apprentice
Karren Brady, Lord Sugar and Claude Littner (Jim Marks/Boundless/BBC)

In this week’s Radio Times, rottweiler Claude sinks his teeth into Lord Sugar’s eight remaining business candidates and some of his choices might surprise you…

 Charleine Wain

The Apprentice's Charleine Wain
(BBC)

Age: 31

Occupation: Hair and beauty salon owner

Claude says: “I have a soft spot for Charleine. She is relentless… She has a very annoying voice.”

Gary Poulton

The Apprentice's Gary Poulton
(BBC)

Age: 34

Occupation: Programme manager

Claude says: “A genuinely nice guy, very polite, respectful and honest. He’s a steady Eddie.”

Joseph Valente

The Apprentice's Joseph Valente
(BBC)

Age: 25

Occupation: Plumbing business owner

Claude says: “I’d be a little wary of him. He can sell really well, is a serious candidate and is probably going to make good progress.”

Selina Waterman-Smith

The Apprentice's Selina Waterman-Smith
(BBC)

Age: 31

Occupation: Events agency owner

Claude says: “She’s a dynamic individual, who can speak forcefully. I sense she’s had the fight knocked out of her… She’s become quite hard-bitten.”

Scott Saunders

The Apprentice's Scott Saunders
(BBC)

Age: 27

Occupation: Senior account manager

Claude says: “He has a dark side to him. To be honest, it’s quite hard to make him out. Maybe this is a marathon and he’s a bit of a sprinter.”

Brett Butler-Smythe

The Apprentice's Brett Butler-Smythe
(BBC)

 Age: 28

Occupation: Builder

Claude says: “I like him as a person – he’s crude, rough around the edges. But that’s him… He’s a bit of a fish out of water.”

Vana Koutsomitis

The Apprentice's Vana Koutsomitis
(BBC)

Age: 27

Occupation: Social media entrepreneur

Claude says: “She has such a vibrant and infectious personality. I just don’t know if she’s a sticker.”

Richard Woods

The Apprentice's Richard Woods
(BBC)

Age: 31

Occupation: Marketing agency director

Claude says: “He’s too smarmy, too much of a one-man band… but he’s understood the tasks best and is the one I’d choose for my team.”