US president-elect Donald Trump says he has appointed British TV producer Mark Burnett as his special envoy to the UK.
Mr Burnett, 64, created and worked alongside Mr Trump on the US series, The Apprentice, which made the president-elect internationally famous for firing a succession of contestants vying for roles in his businesses.
The London-born producer has also worked on popular reality shows such as Shark Tank, The Voice, and Survivor.
In a statement, Mr Trump 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.”
Mr Trump’s first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on The Apprentice and other appearances during his association with NBC, notably in footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a “star”.
The 78-year-old president-elect went on to praise Mr Burnett for “creating and producing some of the biggest shows in Television History,” and highlight how he won 13 Emmy Awards.
Mr Burnett’s spokesperson said in a statement to Variety he was “truly honoured to serve The United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom”.
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Mr Burnett will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges, according to the statement.
It comes after Mr Trump, who will take office following his inauguration on 20 January, nominated businessman Warren Stephens to serve as America’s ambassador to the UK.
Earlier this week, Sir Keir Starmer named Labour grandee Lord Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US.
Lord Mandelson. Pic: PA
But the appointment didn’t seem to please Chris LaCivita, co-manager for Mr Trump’s presidential election campaign, who called Lord Mandelson an “absolute moron”.
In a post on X, Mr LaCivita said: “This UK govt is special replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron – he should stay home! SAD!”
Mr Burnett is not the first of Mr Trump’s new administration appointees to have a background in TV.
The president-elect made former Fox News commentator and National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth his defence secretary and named celebrity doctor and former TV host, Mehmet Oz, as his administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.