Donald Trump has said that Celebrity Apprentice contestant Clay Aiken is nothing like he expected he would be when the singer was first cast.
Aiken is one of the 18 celebrities - the largest-ever Celebrity Apprentice cast - who can be seen battling to impress Trump when the NBC business competition returns for its new season on Sunday, February 19.
Speaking on Today this morning, Trump said: "I figured that he wouldn't be that strong a player but he is a really strong player. A great singer, a tough guy, and nasty - and you wouldn't think it.
"We have an amazing cast and when you put them all together - and we're not completed [filming] yet - it's amazing."
Matt Lauer also asked Trump what qualities a contestant needed in order to win Celebrity Apprentice.
"Toughness, intelligence and you can never, ever quit," he replied. "You have to be really, really smart, you have to be cunning - maybe above all else. Those seem to be the ones who go all the way."
Among the other stars competing on this season of Celebrity Apprentice are George Takei, Debbie Gibson, Adam Carolla, Aubrey O'Day, Arsenio Hall and Lou Ferrigno.
Celebrity Apprentice returns Sunday, February 19 on NBC.
