We still haven't recovered from the news that this year's series of The Apprentice was Margaret Mountford's last (she's leaving to complete a phD in Egyptian writing on ancient Greek paper. Or something). While we applaud the Tippex-haired star's decision to follow her dreams, we're not sure how we'll cope without her pursed, scarlet lips and eye-rolling exasperation. Who else could be so delightfully grumpy? (Apart from Nick, obvs). Who would you like to fill the Margaret-shaped hole next year? We were thinking...

Cheryl Cole
Pros: Really, really good at reality TV – she's been there, she knows where the contestants are coming from, she feels their pain.

Cons: Prone to crying and telling everyone they're wonderful, even if they're not – behaviour that would make The Apprentice a very different sort of show. What would Nick think?

Eyebrow rating: 3/5

Madonna
Pros: Suitably formidable – would you want to get on her bad side? Indeed, she's tough, driven and rich: the perfect businesswoman.

Cons: Would probably find an excuse to wear a leotard at some point, which would be distracting. Also, can you imagine the notoriously competitive Queen of Pop taking a back seat and letting a bunch of suited'n'booted types take centre stage? No, us neither. Would be hilarious to see her try, mind.

Eyebrow rating: 3.5/5

Agyness Deyn
Pros: Has similar hair to Margaret's, which could help speed up the adjustment process. Plus, she'd give The Apprentice a much-needed shot in the arm in the style stakes.

Cons: We suspect this lovely Northern lass is just a bit too nice, not to mention a bit too tall to stand next to Suralan.

Eyebrow rating: 2.5

Victoria Beckham
Pros: Rarely smiles in public. A very shrewd businesswoman. The camera loves her.

Cons: Just one small matter: she lives in LA. Sigh.

Eyebrow rating: 4/5