Brooke Ivey Johnson
Published January 14, 2026 6:04pm
Updated January 14, 2026 9:56pm
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Tom Allen has announced he’s leaving The Apprentice: You’re Fired (Picture: BBC / Naked / Matt Frost)
Tom Allen has confirmed he is stepping away from The Apprentice: You’re Fired, bringing an end to a six-year run as the show’s host.
The comedian and presenter, 42, shared the news on Instagram with a video, explaining that the time felt right to move on.
‘After six years, I’ve decided to say goodbye to The Apprentice: You’re Fired,’ he wrote.
‘I’ve had so much fun working with the most incredible creative people to make it all happen.’
He added, jokingly, that he was also becoming concerned that Lord Sugar might eventually ‘realise I know nothing about business.’
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Allen has fronted the BBC companion show since 2019, becoming a key part of the franchise, where fired candidates face probing questions, sharp jokes, and a studio audience.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfDtH2jJfB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
His departure marks the end of an era for the spin-off, and fans were quick to share their sadness about his departure, commenting on the announcement in droves.
One fan wrote: ‘Oh no Tom! I do hope you’re not going to disappear from our screens completely!!!’
Another chimed in: ‘So sad 😞. It certainly won’t be the same without you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do next. ❤️’
A third agreed, writing: ‘Whoever the next host of you’re fired is, they will be no match to you. You’re the only one who could master it!’
The presenter has hosted the spinoff show for six year (Picture:BBC Two/The Apprentice: You’re Fired!)
In his farewell message, Allen paid tribute to the show’s central figures, thanking Lord Sugar, Karren Brady and Tim Campbell for their support.
He also expressed gratitude to the many candidates and guest panellists who joined him in the studio over the years.
The response from colleagues was swift and affectionate.
Lord Sugar described it as ‘a pleasure’ working with Allen in a comment, adding that he ‘didn’t realise how funny’ he was at first.
Tim Campbell praised the presenter for bringing ‘warmth, wit and wicked whistles’ to the programme, while Karren Brady said the team was ‘incredibly grateful’ for his five series at the helm.
Many of his co-stars and colleagues – including Tim Campbell and Mike Soutar – have wished Allen well (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
The official account for The Apprentice: You’re Fired echoed the sentiment, calling Allen ‘the most wonderful host’ and wishing him well for what comes next.
Fans, meanwhile, have been quick to speculate about his future, with some suggesting he could be in line for a high-profile presenting role elsewhere on BBC television, including rumours linking him to Strictly Come Dancing.
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Many fans commented on his post to share their hopes that they might see him on the dancing show, with one writing: ‘Oh I do hope you are going to present Strictly! The show needs you!’
Some fans are hoping Allen might go on to host Strictly (Picture: BBC/Jiksaw/Aemen Sukkar)
Born in Bromley, Kent, Allen first found widespread attention after winning the So You Think You’re Funny? competition at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2005.
Since then, he has built a varied career spanning stand-up, acting, writing and singing, alongside regular television appearances.
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While Allen hinted that ‘new voyages’ lie ahead, the BBC has yet to announce who will replace him on You’re Fired.
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