The Apprentice viewers were "upset" as Lord Alan Sugar issued a health update moments into tonight's show.
The 75-year-old returned tonight to front the second episode of the new season. A batch of budding entrepreneurs are bidding to impress Lord Sugar to win a job with a six figure salary.
In the latest episode, the contestants had to create and manufacture bao buns to sell to the public. The team also went into negotiations with a corporate client - and the team who earned the most profit won the challenge.
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Lord Sugar is usually joined by Karren Brady and Claude Littner on the show as they task the entrepreneurs. However, Lord Sugar issued an explanation at the start of the challenge as Claude had been replaced by season one winner, Tim Campbell.
He said: "You may be wondering why this gentleman is here. Regretfully, Claude has not been very well and Tim will be assisting me for the next 11 weeks."
Viewers following the show on Twitter were gutted the 73-year-old is set to be absent.
Summer said: "Shame about Claude. Hope he got better"
Another user posted: "NOOOOOO, NOT CLAUDE!"
Sarah tweeted: "Can't believe I'm this upset over Claude"
Khalilah added: "Claude absent for 11 weeks?! Oh dear"
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