Paphitis slams BBC rival 'The Apprentice'

Dragons' Den judge Theo Paphitis has said rival BBC business reality show The Apprentice is no longer challenging.

In an interview with the Radio Times, Paphitis, who made his fortune turning around failing businesses, likened Sir Alan Sugar's programme to Big Brother.

He said: "I used to watch The Apprentice, but it's become Big Brother. They all live in a house together and are given tasks - where do you recognise that? I don't think it's challenging anymore."

Paphitis continued: "I like Alan Sugar. I think he's fabulous. But the whole format and the things that the contestants do - it's not a million miles away from what happens in Big Brother, which isn't the most intellectually stimulating programme."

Paphitis's comments echo those of fellow Dragon Peter Jones, who recently dismissed The Apprentice as "fictional".