‘Celebrity Apprentice’ Will Premiere With New Host In 2016; Who Will Replace Donald Trump?

Sorry, Trump fans! You’ll never again hear Donald Trump mouth the words “You’re Fired” on “Celebrity Apprentice.” NBC president Robert Greenblatt confirmed the network will “absolutely not” welcome back the presidential candidate as a host in its "Apprentice" franchise, which began in 2004 with "The Apprentice." That show was sidelined after its seventh season in 2010, while the "Celebrity Apprentice" format of the franchise has been going strong since 2008. Trump hosted 14 seasons in total, seven seasons of "The Apprentice" and seven of "Celebrity Apprentice."

Greenblatt made the announcement at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills on Thursday. However, that doesn’t mean “Celebrity Apprentice” is done and gone. The reality competition will return in 2016 with a new host. So who might be his replacement? Noone has been cast yet, but there are plenty of rumors circulating:

• Amal Clooney – Amal Clooney joining “Celebrity Apprentice” is a rumor that started thanks to a report from the Sunday Express. The outlet claims that George Clooney’s wife is on NBC’s “short list” to replace Trump.
• Sheryl Sandberg – Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandberg is also allegedly in the running for the TV host position. The report also comes from the Express, which claims that NBC would like a female to take on the role.
• Jessica Alba – Actress and “The Honest Company” founder Jessica Alba is also reportedly being considered due to her experience in business.
• George Lopez – Funny man George Lopez is said to be in the running for the host vacancy. This casting would be an interesting twist, considering Trump’s previous derogatory comments on Mexican immigrants.
• Magic Johnson – According to TMZ, former NBA star and businessman Magic Johnson is also a front-runner. The site reported that the network is looking for a replacement who is a “successful minority businessperson who’s active in the inner cities.”

Despite the replacement, there wasn’t always bad blood between Trump and NBC. Greenblatt added that the network’s relationship with the former “Celebrity Apprentice” host was “congenial” before the election drama. And that means they are not ruling out future collaborations with the presidential hopeful.

“I don’t think somebody who is running for president, and might possibly be the next leader of the free world, would be completely banned from any activities at NBC,” Greenblatt added (via TVLine). “But we’ll have to see how this plays out. I honestly don’t know. At the moment, we’re sort of separated.”