In the Terminator's firing line! Arnold Schwarzenegger poses with new hopefuls as he takes over from Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice 

It is a development that could add a whole new dimension to the show's catchphrase 'you're fired.'

For silver screen killing machine Arnold Schwarzenegger looked all business as he posed up with the desperate new hopefuls who will appear with him in the forthcoming new series of Celebrity Apprentice on Thursday.

For those desperate for the prime time exposure it is a brave undertaking indeed, as the Terminator star seems hellbent on making an impression as he replaces larger than life mogul turned presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Scroll down for video and full list of contestants

Boardroom Terminator: New boss Arnold Schwarzenegger looked all business as he posed with the new Celebrity Apprentice cast on Thursday 

If the wannabes who posed up with the 68-year-old think they are in for an easy ride they are in for a shock, as the bodybuilding legend was already a self-made millionaire due to his business acumen before he ever achieved wider fame as an on-screen action hero.

Hoping to impress the Running Man star on the eighth edition of the hit NBC show include Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills favourite Kyle Richards of fame, Eighties pop hunk Boy George and, perhaps most excitingly of all, Jersey Shore icon Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi.

When it emerged in September the former Governor of California would be stepping into Trump's shoes he could not hide his delight.

Crush your enemies, see them driven before you: The Conan The Barbarian legend was no doubt happy to share some words of business wisdom with his new friends

Main attractions: Jersey Shore icon Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi, eighties pop hunk Boy George and Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills favourite Kyle Richards are among the more noteworthy contestants

'You're fired': Contestants will be hoping he does not channel The Terminator when he delivers the famous line

Arnold, who is worth $300 million, said: 'I have always been a huge fan of The Celebrity Apprentice and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork.

'I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let's get started!' 

The stardust is being sprinkled liberally in an attempt to make up for the departure of ratings grabbing Donald and his successful family. 

Eco-friendly entrepreneur: Perhaps green campaigner Arnold will trade in Donald's old limousine for a bike

Model turned entrepreneur Tyra Banks, who has just had a baby via surrogate, and Honest Company mogul Jessica Alba balance out an advisement panel that includes the world's third richest man Warren Buffett, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Arnold's nephew, entertainment lawyer Patrick Knapp Schwarzenegger.

Other contestants include Dancing With The Stars host Brooke Burke-Charvet, Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila, Motley Crue singer Vince Neil and combustive Real Housewife Of Atlanta Porsha Williams.

Trump did not sign up last year to a 15th season of the Apprentice in anticipation of running for president - prompting the decision to find a new star of the show.

The mother of all tycoons: New mom and entrepreneur Tyra Banks is a new adviser along with Jessica Alba

Do me a favour: Arnold has also enlisted his old friend Warren Buffet, the world's third richest man, to appear

Perhaps Bill Gates was busy: Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has also signed up for an advisor role

In June he and NBC acrimoniously parted ways completely after controversy over his description of some Mexican illegal immigrants as 'rapists.'  He also claimed they are 'bringing drugs... bringing crime.'

Each side claimed they were first to end the relationship. NBC accused him of 'derogatory statements' and Trump said: 'As far as ending the relationship, I have to do that, because my view on immigration is much different than the people at NBC.' 

When it emerged he had been replaced by Commando star Arnold, he could not hide his glee. 

Trump said, 'Congrats to my friend @Schwarzenegger who is doing next season's Celebrity Apprentice. He'll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity. To all my fans, sorry I couldn't do The Apprentice any longer—but equal time (presidential run) prohibits me from doing so. Love!' 

Boardroom coup: Viewers will no longer be able to enjoy the antics of The Donald, Donald Jr and Ivanka Trump

Playing his Trump card: While NBC said it severed ties with Donald over comments he made on immigration he claims he backed out to concentrate on his presidential run