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<\/p>\nKieran McCartney, who is a candidate on this season’s The Apprentice, has exclusively hit out at the show\u2019s editing, claiming it portrayed him as \u201ca different person\u201d from who he really is.<\/p>\n
The reality star has told the People’s Channel that he felt the programme\u2019s portrayal did not reflect his true personality, particularly in the early episodes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they started a big character arc for me. I started off being like, I’ve got to watch what I say here,” Mr McCartney began.<\/p>\n
“It made me look a different person to who I am, and now me, my actual self is finally coming out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Apprentice star hit out at producers for the show\u2019s editing<\/p>\n
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BBC<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe so,\u201d he said when asked if his true self is better than what viewers first saw.<\/p>\n
He singled out the Hong Kong episode as a turning point, claiming the edit left him looking \u201cquite stupid, quite dumb, quite arrogant.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not me. I’m the most thoughtful person that there was in the house,\u201d he insisted.<\/p>\n
Despite his criticism, the TV star admitted he believes producers intentionally shape narratives to create compelling television.<\/p>\n
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Kieran McCartney got a leg tattoo to commemorate his time on the BBC show<\/p>\n
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Andrew Styczynski<\/p>\n
He said: “They kind of obviously had a plan, and to be fair, the plan worked.”<\/p>\n
The businessman also suggested that contestants are deliberately placed in difficult situations to create friction.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like they do choose weaknesses from the team, and they obviously put people together that don’t work well together\u2026 to try and cause a bit of friction,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Mr McCartney revealed that life behind the scenes was far more restrictive than viewers might expect, describing strict rules and limited freedom during filming.<\/p>\n
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The Apprentice series 20 contestants<\/p>\n
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BBC<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you’d have a lot more freedom. It’s quite strict\u2026 to the fact, you know, you’re in Hong Kong, you don’t get to go roam the streets, you don’t get to have fun, which was annoying because you fly all that way to be locked in a hotel room,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The contestant added that even simple pleasures were off limits, saying: \u201cNo drinking. I just thought you’d be able to have a beer with the boys when you get home and stuff like that, but no, it doesn’t work like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the intense environment on screen, Mr McCartney insisted relations between contestants were far more amicable in reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve all got a nice little group chat that we all talk on. We meet up every week to watch the show,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
“Everyone’s friends, no one hates each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, he did admit to clashing with fellow contestant Andrea, explaining: \u201cShe’s so negative, and I’m so positive. Opposites sadly do not attract. Not in this case.\u201d<\/p>\n
The businessman also raised eyebrows with his bold on-screen antics, including a dramatic \u201cwin or walk\u201d pact with Lord Alan Sugar. <\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I was going home, so it’s kind of a last resort,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775055611_358_the-apprentice-cast.jpg\")
Mr McCarthy said the majority of the contestants got along well<\/p>\n
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BBC<\/p>\n
Mr McCartney also confirmed he has since had tattoos of Lord Sugar, Karren Brady and Tim Campbell inked on his leg to commemorate his experience.<\/p>\n
When asked how the trio felt about it, he responded: \u201cI don’t know if I’d use the word flattered. I’d probably say more concerned.”<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, the Estate Agent said he is keen to build a career in television alongside growing his business, even joking he could one day replace Lord Sugar.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s got to be Karren Brady. She’s just going to have to move over one, and then I’ll replace her. That’d be hilarious,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
![\"Kieran](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775055612_890_kieran-mccartney.jpg\")
Kieran McCartney<\/p>\n
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BBC<\/p>\n
He added that he would \u201cabsolutely\u201d return to reality TV, saying: \u201cI think it’s hilarious\u2026 that’s kind of the route I want to go down now. I want my own show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr McCartney addressed the backlash he has received during the series and urged others to speak out about their struggles.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI’ve had a lot of bad publicity recently, but I’ve been very honest with my answers.”<\/p>\n
\u201cMen’s mental health and mental health as a whole are really important. So please talk to someone. It will help.\u201d<\/p>\n