Arnie replaces Trump as ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ host

CEBU, Philippines - Goodbye The Donald, hello Arnold!

Arnold Schwarzenegger will be the next star of “The Celebrity Apprentice,” replacing Donald Trump.

“I have always been a huge fan of ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!”

The former governor and star of the “Terminator” will make his debut in the 2016-2017 season.

“We are thrilled to be opening a powerful new chapter in the story of the Apprentice franchise,” Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming at NBC Entertainment, said in a statement.

“Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves. It was Arnold’s personal passion for the format that Mark Burnett and Donald Trump built over the last decade, as well as his fresh take on how to take it to new heights for today’s audiences, that made him the man to hire. The Celebrity Apprentice… will be back!’

Trump left the show and ended his relationship with NBC after announcing his presidential campaign.

“After leaving the show to run for political office, Donald made it clear that he wanted ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ to be able to continue to raise millions of dollars annually for worthy causes, and now NBC and I have found an amazing new leader to do just that,” executive producer Mark Burnett said in a statement. “Schwarzenegger will use his vast and highly successful business, political and media experience to drive this hit franchise to new heights.” (FREEMAN)