Filming on this year's series of The Apprentice has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The long-running BBC reality show had been due to start filming in a few weeks' time, and was expected to feature two trips abroad, but production has now been formally cancelled for the foreseeable future.

A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: "In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, Boundless, the producers of The Apprentice, have postponed filming in consultation with and supported by the BBC.

"We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England."

The new series of the show had been expected to air in October but transmission is now likely to be pushed back until next year or could be scrapped entirely.