It is, of course, that aspect which makes it excellent television. Our desire to watch real people plotting and stabbing each other in the back was first realised by Endemol, when they gave us Big Brother! I quite enjoyed the first couple of series, but the hysteria surrounding the show, and the producers desire to pick more and more outlandish people saw me become fed up with it.
I think the same thing may have happened, to a lesser extent, with The Apprentice. There is, naturally, more of an attempt to play to the cameras once a show has become established. The participants tend to know what to expect, and having seen earlier series should also have an idea of good tactics and startegy. This will add to the sense of fakery.
However I still think that the programme is worthwhile and entertaining. Sadly, Mrs greenback does not agree, and goes and hides in anothe rroom for the duration. She hates everything about it, from the sound of Alan Sugar to the way they all dress!