Donald Trump has appointed a British TV producer who made him world famous as special envoy to the UK.

Mark Burnett created the US version of The Apprentice and worked with the US President-elect on the show.

It featured Mr Trump, who became known across the world as the Lord Sugar figure, firing and hiring prospective business partners.

The London-born producer also worked on other reality shows, such as Shark Tank, The Voice and Survivor.

In a statement, Mr Trump, who will be inaugurated in January, said: “It is my great honour to appoint Mark Burnett as the special envoy to the United Kingdom.

“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role.”

He went on to praise his new appointment for “creating and producing some of the biggest shows in Television History.

The TV producer “will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges”.

Mr Burnett’s spokesperson told Variety that he was “truly honoured to serve The United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom”.

It comes after the President-elect nominated businessman Warren Stephens to serve as America’s ambassador to the UK.

Sir Keir Starmer has named Lord Peter Mandleson as the UK’s ambassador to the US.

But Chris LaCivita, co-manager for Mr Trump’s presidential election campaign, branded Lord Mandelson an “absolute moron”.

In a post on X, he said: “This UK govt is special replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron – he should stay home! SAD!”

Mr Trump has also appointed Fox News TV host and veteran Pete Hegseth as his Secretary of State for
Defence.

He would be the second-youngest person to ever serve in the office.