Behind the scenes of the dramatic season of The Celebrity Apprentice

Unfair advantages, a ‘makeup war’ and disgruntled stars threatening to quit: Behind the scenes of the dramatic season of The Celebrity Apprentice


There’s been no shortage of drama onscreen, but it looks like there’s been even more chaos behind-the-scenes on the set of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia this season.  

According to a report by New Idea magazine on Monday, there were accusations of perceived unfair advantages, special treatment when it came to makeup allowances, and celebrities threatening to quit.

Meanwhile, producers used clever tactics to help generate additional drama, while some of the contestants formed secret alliances off-camera.  

Scandal: While there’s been no shortage of drama onscreen, it doesn’t even come close to what went on behind the scenes on the set of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. Pictured, Camilla Franks

Some of this year’s contestants were rumoured to have prearranged ‘big cheques for their chosen charities’ before they appeared on the show.

Because of this, many of the celebrities who hadn’t organised money in advance felt like their co-stars were had an unfair advantage.

Speaking to New Idea, a production assistant for the show revealed that some contestants were given more makeup assistants than others.

Behind the scenes: According to a report by New Idea magazine on Monday, there were accusations of cheating, special treatment when it came to makeup allowances, and celebrities threatening to quit. Pictured, Michelle Bridges

Behind the scenes: According to a report by New Idea magazine on Monday, there were accusations of cheating, special treatment when it came to makeup allowances, and celebrities threatening to quit. Pictured, Michelle Bridges

All made up: Speaking to New Idea, a production assistant for the show revealed that some contestants were given more makeup assistants than others. Pictured, Martha Kalifatidis

All made up: Speaking to New Idea, a production assistant for the show revealed that some contestants were given more makeup assistants than others. Pictured, Martha Kalifatidis

‘If it was on-brand to your character or personality type to be flawless, you were allowed an entourage – take two guesses who!’ they added.

And with the often intimidating Lord Alan Sugar assuming the role of chief executive officer on this year’s show, many of the contestants threatened to walk.

After repeatedly facing the wrath of the 74-year-old business magnate, many started to ‘question if the show was even worth it’.

Put to the test: Contestants were often left feeling hungry and exhausted in an attempt to wear them down

Put to the test: Contestants were often left feeling hungry and exhausted in an attempt to wear them down

But producers managed to keep the fed up celebrities on the show, and even employed sneaky tactics to generate even more drama.

Contestants were often left feeling hungry and exhausted in an attempt to wear them down. 

‘The celebrities were always up early and shooting all day – the hours are very long,’ a source told New Idea.

Boss: With the often intimidating Lord Alan Sugar (pictured) assuming the role of chief executive officer on this year's show, many of the contestants threatened to walk

Boss: With the often intimidating Lord Alan Sugar (pictured) assuming the role of chief executive officer on this year’s show, many of the contestants threatened to walk

‘The general consensus from the cast was that they were the most interesting to producers when they were on edge!’

Meanwhile, other celebrities were accused of forming a ‘secret alliance’, with the most noticeable one being between Shaynna Blaze and Martha Kalifatidis. 

A source claimed they ‘both had smugness’ and accused of them of being ‘overly familiar’ with the show’s crew. 

Too close for comfort: Meanwhile, other celebrities were accused of forming a 'secret alliance', with the most noticeable one being between Shaynna Blaze and Martha (pictured)

Too close for comfort: Meanwhile, other celebrities were accused of forming a ‘secret alliance’, with the most noticeable one being between Shaynna Blaze and Martha (pictured)

Shaynna, 58, even called out Lord Sugar after he told her she had a ‘face like a slapped a**e’.

‘You can’t talk about people and their physical appearance in a derogatory way to get a cheap laugh,’ she told him.

The billionaire businessman later apologised for his crude remarks. 

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.

Fighting back: Shaynna Blaze (pictured) even called out Lord Sugar after he told her she had a 'face like a slapped a**e'

Fighting back: Shaynna Blaze (pictured) even called out Lord Sugar after he told her she had a ‘face like a slapped a**e’