The Apprentice 2013 contestants revealed: Get ready for new format and 'all the usual clichés'

The Apprentice is back, but this time with a bit of a twist.

For the ninth series, candidates will reveal their business plans at the beginning of the show rather than in the final, allowing Lord Sugar to see if his protégés really do have the skills to back up their ideas for a call-centre empire or organic beauty product range.

Click here to see The Apprentice 2013 contestants

The 16 contestants, revealed today, come from a range of backgrounds: from historian and property entrepreneur Jason Leech (“I just feel my effortless superiority will take me all the way”) to practising doctor Leah Totton.

When the programme starts on 7 May the first task will see the contestants trying to flog a shipping container load of goods to London’s trade in one day. Other tasks this series include creating and branding a flavour of beer, selling caravans and putting together a corporate away-day for big clients.

Nick Hewer and Karen Brady will return as Lord Sugar’s aides to help the Amstrad magnate choose who he should invest his £250,000 in.

Lord Sugar tells the contestants tonight: “As you can see here, I’ve got a pile of CVs here- it’s full of the usual bullshit. You know, ‘I’ll give 110 percent, I’m the greatest entrepreneur since sliced bread, failure’s not an option, I think outside the box, inside the bleeding box.’ All those usual clichés.

“I’m sick and tired of all that rubbish to be perfectly honest with you, because I believe actions speak louder than words. And it’s going to be actions that judge you.”

Lord Sugar might be disappointed. It looks like the contestants have already spouted a fair few self-congratulatory clichés this year.

Examples of 'the usual bullshit':

Luisa Zissman, 25, retail entrepreneur: “I have the energy of a Duracell bunny, sex appeal of Jessica Rabbit, and a brain like Einstein.”

Myles Mordaunt, 39, marketing company co-founder: “I’m business perfection personified.”

Zeeshaan Shah, 27, property investment CEO: “I’m a ‘Great’ of my generation. I’m an innovator and a leader in business. I take inspiration from Napolean; I am here to conquer.”

Jordan Poulton, 26, business analyst: “I’ve worked in third world countries and first world countries. I know what it’s like to struggle to feed kids and I know what it’s like to fly in a private jet.”

Kurt Wilson, 26, health drink entrepreneur: “I’m an alpha male; I always get my own way and know how to make people do what I want.”

Jason Leech, 29, historian and property entrepreneur: “Some people might come to this process with a game plan. I just feel my effortless superiority will take me all the way.”

Click here or on 'view gallery' to read about all 16 Apprentice contestants