CONTROVERSIAL CANDIDATE JIM LEADS FOR FIRST TIME ON NBC'S "THE APPRENTICE: MARTHA STEWART" WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 9-10 PM ET/PT

Special guests appearances by Fran Drescher, John Lithgow, Susan Lucci, Chad Pennington, among others

NEW YORK -- October 24, 2005 -- After narrowly escaping last week's firing, Martha Stewart challenges Jim to become the project manager for the next task on NBC's "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" as candidates compete to raise money for The Beneful Celebrity Dog Auction (October 26, 9-10 pm ET). Stewart surprises the candidates with an impromptu trip to the loft and while there asks Jim, "You have not been a project manager yet, are you ready for a project?" Jim readily accepts the challenge. Stewart chides, "It might be mutiny on the part of your team!"

Creator and executive producer Mark Burnett adds, "Much like Shakespeare's Iago, Jim seems nutty enough not to be a threat in the short term, but in the long term, his calculated razor sharp mind intimidates the competition."

Each team will meet with four celebrities and their dogs, including Chad Pennington, Susan Luci, Fran Drescher and John Lithgow, among others to create a personal experience to be auctioned off during the Beneful Celebrity Dog Auction. Proceeds help raise money for the charity "Broadway Barks," which is devoted to helping homeless dogs and provides funds for New York dog shelters. The team that raises the most money wins.

"MATCHSTICK" (Creatives): Ryan, Dawna, Amanda, Leslie, David, Marcela

"PRIMARIUS" (Corporate): Howie, Sarah, Carrie, Bethenny, Jim

"The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions. Mark Burnett, Jay Bienstock and Donald J. Trump are executive producers. Conrad Riggs and Kevin Harris are co-executive producers.