Arnold Schwarzenegger Named New Host of ‘Celebrity Apprentice'

Former California governor and movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger has been named the new host of NBC's "The Celebrity Apprentice." 

"We are thrilled to be opening a powerful new chapter in the story of the 'Apprentice' franchise," said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment. "Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves. It was Arnold’s personal passion for the format that Mark Burnett and Donald Trump built over the last decade, as well as his fresh take on how to take it to new heights for today’s audiences, that made him the man to hire. 'The Celebrity Apprentice' … will be back!"

"The Celebrity Apprentice" will return to NBC for the 2016-17 season.

Schwarzenegger, 68, is replacing Donald Trump who was fired as host, following his critical comments about Mexican immigrants.

In his role as host for seven seasons of "Apprentice," Trump helped raise more than $15 million for charity, according to NBC's press release. 

"After leaving the show to run for political office, Donald made it clear that he wanted 'The Celebrity Apprentice' to be able to continue to raise millions of dollars annually for worthy causes, and now NBC and I have found an amazing new leader to do just that," said executive producer Mark Burnett. "Gov. Schwarzenegger will use his vast and highly successful business, political and media experience to drive this hit franchise to new heights." 

"I can't wait to bring my experience to the board room & raise millions for charity," Schwarzenegger, who was last seen on the big screen in "Terminator: Genisys," tweeted soon after the announcement of his new role was made.

Trump tweeted Monday, "Congrats to my friend @Schwarzenegger who is doing next season’s Celebrity Apprentice. He'll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity." 

He added in a follow up tweet, "To all my fans, sorry I couldn’t do The Apprentice any longer—but equal time (presidential run) prohibits me from doing so. Love!"

Previous "Celebrity Apprentice" winners include Joan Rivers, Piers Morgan, Bret Michaels, Trace Adkins, Arsenio Hall, John Rich and Leeza Gibbons.

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