'The Apprentice' not returning to TV3

Bill Cullen's 'The Apprentice' will not be returning for a fifth series this year, TV3 have announced.

The channel has broadcast the series featuring the hard-nosed entrepreneur for four years, but will not renew the series.

Instead it says it will be announcing a raft of new programmes at its autumn launch in August of this year.

Cullen who fronted the show has hired winners Brenda Shanahan, Steve Rayner, Michelle Massey and Eugene Heary during the course of the series.

His business partner and co-star on the programme Jackie Lavin said he believes that the show will stand to the potential Apprentices who appeared on it over the years.

"At least they are recognisable afterwards," she said.

"And if they want to turn that into something good, that's great.

"Any sort of publicity like that does wonders for you, it depends on how you use it afterwards."