A posh look complete with cocktail dresses and tailored suits can’t hide the true intentions of the new cast on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” premiering Sunday.
The show, starring and executive produced by Donald Trump, finds 16 Hollywood stars in an elegant room as $100 bills cascade from the ceiling. Seconds later, a pillow fight erupts among them as piles of cash explode from the cases. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried grins as he stuffs his coat pocket with money.
Joining him this year is actress Vivica A. Fox, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens, “Grease” star Lorenzo Lamas, Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore, on-air host Leeza Gibbons, actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, television journalist Geraldo Rivera, MLB outfielder Johnny Damon, model Brandi Glanville, TLC star and mother of eight Kate Gosselin, “Beverly Hills, 90210” actor Ian Ziering, snowboarder Jamie Anderson, Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” star Sig Hansen, and singer Kevin Jonas.
A preview from the first episode pits the men versus the women in a pie-baking contest, with “Cake Boss” star Buddy Valastro serving as guest judge.
The popular reality television competition returns after a year-plus hiatus for its seventh installment. Trump’s children, Ivanka, Donald Jr. and Eric, will return, in addition to surprise guests that include late Season 2 winner Joan Rivers, as an advisor, and Piers Morgan.
The show follows stars competing to out-earn each other in various challenges toward a $250,000 bonus check for their respective charities. Should they fail, Trump will be on hand to utter his now iconic catch phrase: “You’re fired.”
Sunday’s premiere marks the 14th season of “The Apprentice” series, which has raised more than $14 million for charity.
“The Celebrity Apprentice” returns Sunday at 9 p.m.