Trump "re-hires" original 'Apprentice' winner

Donald Trump has decided to keep original Apprentice winner Bill Rancic in his organisation for a further year.

Rancic landed a one-year contract with Trump last year after winning the show's first season. During the past twelve months, his primary focus has been to oversee the devlopment of the new Trump Tower in Chicago.

"Bill has done an incredible job in the past year working for me," said Trump today. "He's so talented that I thought he might want to go out on his own and make millions. We're lucky to have him back for another year and I can rest assured that my Chicago project is in the best of hands."

Rancic added: "I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Trump has afforded me in the past year. He has truly taken me under his wing and exposed me to his distinct and incredibly successful way of doing business. It will be a privilege to spend another year with him."

Rancic will also appear in the upcoming fourth season of The Apprentice, filling in for Trump's advisors George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher when they are on business trips.

Meanwhile, NBC confirmed Thursday, May 19 as the date for the finale of the current third season. Unlike previous seasons, the finale will air over one hour instead fo two - a decision Trump says he demanded. "I was very insistent on having a one-hour finale this season. Viewers want the live boardroom and they want to witness the excitement of the hiring. And that will be our focus this season - the completion of the task and the final live boardroom showdown."