The next series of 'The Apprentice' may have to be rescheduled because Alan Sugar's role as a UK government adviser has been deemed a "greater than normal risk" to the BBC's impartiality.
The BBC Trust said broadcasting the show when the general election was imminent would be likely to undermine public confidence in the BBC, as Sugar's presence on screen could be seen as undue or unfair publicity for the Labour Party.
Michael Lyons, chairman of the Trust, said: "The Committee notes that there is now less than a year before the next general election and that this increases the sensitivity caused by Sugar's dual role."
He continued: "Scheduling decisions are a matter for the Executive. But the Trust is clear that when scheduling next year's transmission of 'The Apprentice' and 'Junior Apprentice' the Executive must give due consideration to the implications of showing the programmes in the months immediately before a general election."
The UK Conservatives had complained to the BBC that Sugar's appointment could breach corporation rules on impartiality in the lead-up to the vote, which must be called by next May.
Under guidelines set out by BBC management, the 62-year-old entrepreneur, ay not campaign on behalf of the government, and must take care that his image is not used in campaigning material.
