Sir Alan Sugar has asked the UK press to give over one day a week to happy news stories. Speaking in an interview on GMTV about the 5th series of The Apprentice, he offered his tips to see out the recession.

Yes, its the moment UK viewers and fans of The Apprentice have been waiting for, as the fifth series of the show gets underway, Sir Alan Sugar shared his views on the show and the economic situation in a GMTV interview with Kate Garraway.

Mr Sugar was asked whether he had an eye to spot the contestant who would shine, based on their first appearance.

“You can only really tell what theyre like when it gets down to business, so Ive learned a long time ago that one shouldnt really do things on first reactions, and I think even the viewers will find that, because as you start to see them youll warm to somebody, youll dislike somebody, and then as the weeks go on, youll change your opinion.

Kate Garraway then added, Now we keep hearing reports from the show’s producers that they have told you to be funny and compassionate, sweet and lovely this series, so are you going to be all charming and lovely and sweet and fluffy?

“I wouldnt hold your breath for that one.”

Mr Sugar was then asked how he would deal with the tough economic situation

First of all, we should all stop moaning, and if possible stop reading the newspapers who continue to report doom and gloom. Were in a tough time theres no question of it. The good news is having seen these things happen over the course of 40 years of business is that we will be getting out of it.

Mr Sugar, whose personal wealth is estimated at 830m, said that he has all of the national papers delivered every morning;

“Well, I always get all the national newspapers and have a quick look and flip through them, and if you want to get depressed, read the headlines, because it seems thats the kind of journalism we have in this country. Perhaps we can have a National Happy Day. Maybe we should make Thursday a National Happy Day where newspapers are banned from reporting depressing headlines. They should take the forefront in this, together with your good self also. You should start off nice and happy. Maybe we should make it Thursday? National Happy Day for the next few months

The Apprentice will be on Wednesday nights 9.00pm on BBC 1 for the next 12 weeks