Schwarzenegger hosts: The New Celebrity Apprentice

MANILA, Philippines – Action superstar and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has big shoes to fill in, now that he has taken over the boardroom and the hosting chores of The New Celebrity Apprentice.

Former host, Donald Trump, who started The Apprentice back in 2004, was “elevated” to being president of the United States. Undoubtedly, he sustained the success and ratings of the show and remains the executive producer, to date.

Meanwhile, Arnold has to double his efforts in making The New Celebrity Apprentice soar on its eighth season, with him as the new “boss” and host. “You will call me Governor on Apprentice or you’re fired,” he said in an earlier interview. However, Arnold opted to use “You’re terminated,” apparently a take-off from his popular action starrer, Terminator.

From New York, the show moved to Arnold’s California turf, where he served as Governor for two terms, from 2003 to 2011. Taping commenced in Los Angeles in early 2016. Part of the show was shot in Silicon Valley, where challenging tasks awaited the contestants. There will be new advisors who will guide the celebrities and act as their mentors.

The new season of the reality game show boasts of a formidable line-up of 16, A-list celebrities who are all ready to prove themselves and compete. Foremost on the list for the male contestants is English singer-songwriter Boy George of pop band, Culture Club, fame.

Then, there are host of American Ninja Warrior Matt Iseman; actor-comedian Jon Lovitz of Saturday Night Live; professional football players Eric Dickerson and Ricky Williams; mixed martial artist Chael Sonnen; TV personality Carson Kressley of Queer Eye; and vocalist-musician Vince Neill.

Leading the ladies’ brood is former professional boxer and daughter of boxing great Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali. The other female contestants are TV host, actress and model Brooke Burke-Charvet; erstwhile professional basketball player Lisa Leslie; TV stars Porsha Williams and Carrie Keagan; singer Carnie Wilson of the group Wilson Philips; and Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi of the MTV reality show, Jersey Shore.

New advisors this season are well-known personalities and celebrities, too. The list, released early last year, was led by business magnate and philanthropist Warren Buffett, with former model and TV host Tyra Banks, actress Jessica Alba, businessman and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Patrick Knapp Schwarzenegger, nephew of Arnold.

Last December, six more advisors were added to the list and they included former The Celebrity Apprentice winner Leeza Gibbons (Season 7), celebrity chef Rocco DiSpririto, Extra co-host Tracey Edmonds, The Biggest Loser host Bob Harper, YouTube star iJustine and Moola CEO Gemma Godfrey.

The first episode, which premiered recently on NBC, saw the 16 participants, equally divided into two teams, Arete and Prima. Boy George was the project manager for the male team, Arete, while Porsha  was for the female team, Prima.

In the first task, the contestants worked on a presentation for Tyra Banks Cosmetics, her latest beauty line. In the second task, the teams had Trident Gum for their scope. Jon Lovitz was the project manager for Arete, while Carnie Wilson was for Prima. In both tasks, Arete won.

The female team lost two members — Carrie and Carnie — immediately on the first day. And to Carnie, the host uttered his famous “Hasta la vista, baby,” again from The Terminator.

The winner of The New Celebrity Apprentice stands to receive $250,000 to be donated to his or her chosen charity. Among the past winners were Piers Morgan (Season 1), Joan Rivers (Season 2) and Arsenio Hall (Season 5), who also donated their cash winnings to their chosen charity