The Apprentice: Lord Sugar launches stinging attack on Katie Hopkins and Luisa Zissman

The Apprentice contestants are usually the ones taking swipes at one another, but it’s business mogul Lord Sugar that has been sharpening his claws.

The multi million pound businessman has hit out at former Apprentice contestants, Katie Hopkins and Luisa Zissman, claiming that they are "of no interest to anybody".

Speaking of the self-proclaimed rent-a-gob Katie, who appeared in series three, and Celebrity Big Brother runner-up, Luisa, who starred in series nine, Lord Sugar told Radio Times: "They'd go to the opening of an envelope if they got an invitation. They have their Andy Warhol moment, thinking it's going to make them famous, but very few have actually succeeded. Before long they're of no interest to anybody."

However, the business mogul was adamant that some contestants - in particular the latest three winners Leah Totton, Ricky Martin and Tom Pallereau - have gone on to success.

He said: "The last three candidates are in business with me and they're doing very, very well. Some of the others worked for me for a couple of years and they've gone on to work in other things."

Katie - who is yet to respond to Lord Sugar's comments - took to Twitter earlier today to plug her appearance on Channel 5 later this evening where she will be sharing secrets from "beyond the boardroom.

The 39-year-old tweeted: "Looking forward to presenting a special report for @5_news on The Apprentice at 5pm & 6.30pm sharing some secrets from beyond the boardroom.

Let's hope Lord Sugar fares better with this year's 20 new contestants.

The new series of The Apprentice starts next Tuesday 14 October on BBC One at 9pm.