Branson plans business reality TV show

Richard Branson today unveiled more plans for a reality TV show to find a new top business brain – and he wants to take candidates white water rafting and parachuting.

A TV crew will follow Branson and a group of budding tycoons around the world as the wannabes fight for a top job with the Virgin group.

Each week one of the contestants will be left behind as the show moves to a new exotic location.

The first of the 16 final candidates will be selected at Times Square in New York tomorrow.

There, Branson will publicise his new show by jumping off the top floor of the Virgin Megastore wearing a jet pack.

He said it would set the atmosphere for the new show, which will be aired on Fox. The programme has been tentatively named The Billionaire: Branson’s Quest for the Best.

Branson said: “By taking these people white-water rafting, kite jumping or maybe throwing themselves out of a plane at 10,000 feet, I’ll be able to see how they cope with the adventure side as well as the intellectual side of our global voyage.”

Branson was keen not to make a carbon copy of a recent hit reality show in the US called The Apprentice.

In that show, young business brains competed for a job in the property tycoon Donald Trump’s business empire.

“Trump’s whole approach is ’don’t trust your best friend,’ I don’t believe that’s correct,” Branson said.

Mike Darnell, of Fox, said “In six weeks, these people will experience challenges and adventures beyond their wildest imagination.

“It’s not about business acumen. It’s really about finding someone to follow in his (Branson's) footsteps. It’s about judgment and morality and loyalty tests.”

Network bosses are refusing to say what the prize will be.

“It’s a big big ending. I’m not going any further,” said Mr Darnell.

Branson founded the Virgin Records label before expanding into trains, planes, publishing, drinks and financial services. He has never been publicity-shy.

His stunts, including attempts to circle the globe by hot air balloon, have made him a household name.