MUMBAI: For the first time in the history of US broadcaster NBC's business based reality show The Apprentice, fans will have the opportunity to advise Trump on who he should select to be the next Apprentice.

NBC has announced that in the penultimate week, viewers will be able to vote for one of the final two candidates via phone and on-line at www.NBC.com. The results of America's favourite candidate will be presented to Trump during the live finale before he makes his final decision.

www.NBC.com is hosting an ongoing weekly poll where viewers can vote for their favourite candidate and track their weekly progress.

Trump says, "I am very anxious to see who the fans choose for their favourite finalist -- their decision could have a big effect on my ultimate decision".

Reality TV guru Mark Burnett who created the show says, "Over the past four seasons of The Apprentice, Donald Trump has used the final episode to hire candidates with advice only from George and Carolyn . This year we thought it would be interesting to discover what America has to say about the candidates, incorporating our fans and viewers as virtual judges. While Trump will still be the final arbiter of who he hires, America's feedback is certain to have an impact on his decision."

The episode on 3 April follows Gold Rush and Synergy as they take on the music world to write an original jingle for the popular restaurant chain Arby's. Judged by Arby's executives, the team with the most effective but creative jingle wins. The winning team enjoys a scrumptious reward and the losers face the music in the boardroom.