Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘CAN YOU DM ME’: Lord Sugar mocked after urging Graham Norton to feature him on BBC chat show

Sugar’s followers are picking holes in a tweet he sent to Norton

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 10 January 2022 11:59 EST
Comments
The Apprentice: Series 16 trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lord Alan Sugar is being sent up after sending a tweet urging Graham Norton to book him as a guest on his BBC One chat show.

The business tycoon tweeted the message on Monday (10 January), telling the host: “It’s been ages since I’ve been on your show.”

Sugar told Norton it was “about time” he gave his series The Apprentice “a boost after so long”.

He claimed that the new series, which launched on Thursday (6 January), was “breaking all records with viewing figures”.

Sugar added: “I’m in Miami and can Zoom in anytime. You might find me a bit boring but I’ve got some good anecdotes. CAN YOU DM ME.”

Shortly after sharing the post, Sugar became the subject of mockery in the comments section, with many sharing their own direct requests to Norton.

Others believed that, as opposed to wanting Norton to celebrate The Apprentice’s high viewing figures, the businessman was actually making a plea to help promote the series.

“Breaking viewing records but needs a boost come on Lord , one of your apprentices could have done a better job in seeking promo,” one person responded.

“Why does it need a boost if it’s breaking viewing figure records?” another asked.

Lord Sugar asked Graham Norton to invite him onto his chat show
Lord Sugar asked Graham Norton to invite him onto his chat show (Twitter @Lord_Sugar)

“Clearly not breaking record if you’re having to resort to begging for publicity,” one person asked, with many others branding the message “desperate”.

However, there was a contingent of fans who praised Sugar for his honesty.

One Twitter user wrote: “I actually like @Lord_Sugar’s tweet it’s real it’s down to earth with none of the usual BS that other celebs might do to get on a tv show to sell there products…”

The Apprentice continues Thursday (13 January) at 9pm on BBC One. Read our interview with last week’s fired candidate, in which he called out Sugar’s new aide Tim Campbell, here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in