Sugar's "You're fired!" catchphrase will have even more resonance now that the UK is in recession, and many of the challenges have been tailored to reflect economic pressures.
For example, one episode will see contenders challenged with renovating a part of British seaside resort Margate.
Also in a sympathetic nod to the financial woes of the nation, the opening credits of the show will not brag about Sugar's wealth.
Contestants in the new series, which airs from March 25, will include a City stockbroker, an award-winning restaurant owner, an aristocrat, a 21 year-old entrepreneur, an ex-professional footballer and a chess champion.
The Brits will also be joined in the 12-part series by two overseas candidates -- a New Yorker who has performed Mozart at New York's Carnegie Hall and a Tanzanian beauty queen.
As in previous series, Sugar will be flanked by his trusted lieutenants Nick Hewer and Margaret Montford.
In his typically brash style, Sugar said: "I don't care where you're from or what your last job was.
"You think you can second guess or play me? Well, let me tell you, I'm as hard to play as a Stradivarius.
"First prize -- you get to work for me. Second prize -- doesn't exist."
The first episode will reveal that one contender bailed out before even meeting the show's tycoon-host, while the remaining 15 contestants will be challenged to operate a successful cleaning business, under the watchful gaze of Hewer and Montford.
'The Apprentice -- You're Fired!" companion show will also make a return immediately after the main programme, and will again be hosted by Adrian Chiles.
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