A BOLTON businesswoman is hoping to prove she has what it takes to be Alan Sugar's next apprentice.

The Apprentice returns to BBC One on Wednesday, October 4 and the 18 competing candidates have now been revealed.

Among them, is Michaela Wain, aged 33, who owns a construction business.

She lives in Bolton and works on the day-to-day operations of a construction magazine, alongside her role at several other companies in the building sector.

Companies House lists her as the director of Design and Build Publishing Ltd, based on the first floor of Caroline House, at 115 to 125 Bradshawgate.

She says that as a woman working in a very male-dominated industry, she despises men who talk down to her.

She said: "I have no patience for people who say stupid stuff, and I can't cope with lazy people."

Also competing to be Lord Sugar's new business partner is 24-year-old Charles Burns.

He is involved in a management consultancy, a watch trading company and a comparison website.

He is listed as a director of Charles Burns Watches and Jewellery Ltd, which is based at Bankside Place, in Chapelfield in Radcliffe.

He believes his best qualities are his passion, drive and determination but admits he can talk too much and doesn't always listen and that as long as it is within the rules, he will stop at nothing to win.

He said: "When life throws you lemons, make and sell lemonade for a healthy profit."

Other contestants taking part in the new series are from the fashion and floristry industries and they will all be competing for the £250,000 investment for their business.

Tasks in the 13th series of the reality programme will include creating a range of burgers, branding and selling robots and planning a premium corporate experience at a sports event.

The candidates will even be tasked with running a doggy daycare service.

Business tycoon Lord Sugar will be joined once again by aides Baroness Karren Brady and Claude Littner for the 12-week process.

He will be challenging the candidates to prove they would be able to grow a business in today's tough climate.

Lord Sugar explains in the first boardroom of the series: "We're in strange times now, with Brexit.

"But be under no illusion, in this process I'm the one who decides who's going to remain and I'm the one who decides who's going to leave - simple as that."

Comedian Rhod Gilbert resumes his role at the helm of sister show You're Fired, airing each week on BBC2, straight after the main show.

Fan favourite The Final Five will be returning ahead of Week 11, revealing the stories behind each budding business partner.

Why I Fired Them will also be back as the series draws to a close, with Lord Sugar giving viewers more insight into his decision-making in the boardroom throughout the series.

The Apprentice returns to Wednesday evenings this year, after moving to Thursdays for the 2016 series.

The successful candidate will be revealed in December.