Viewers vote in 'Apprentice', Olympics crossover

One of the US athletes competing in this year's Winter Olympic Games is to become a candidate on Donald Trump's The Apprentice.

In the bizarre crossover, viewers will vote on which of the twelve Olympians becomes a candidate in the sixth season of the reality show later this year.

NBC, broadcaster of both The Apprentice and the Winter Olympics in the US, is using the twist to promo the show's fifth season, which begins February 27. Voting will take place through NBCOlympics.com.

"We're thrilled to have an Olympian in our midst," said Trump. "And while we've let the viewers do a hiring...I'm still doing the firing. So we'll let the Games begin this fall."

Mark Burnett, creator and executive producer, added: "There is no bigger promotional platform than the Olympics. I'm honoured that NBC is utilising one of its most cherished and powerful assets to help drive buzz for 'The Apprentice' brand."

NBC has previously announced that the sixth season will be set in Los Angeles, away from its traditional New York home.