The Apprentice

Arnold Schwarzenegger won't be returning to 'The New Celebrity Apprentice'

The former California governor told CNN in a statement that he will not be returning to host the reality program, which was once hosted by President Donald Trump.

"I loved every second of working with NBC and Mark Burnett. Everyone -- from the celebrities to the crew to the marketing department -- was a straight 10, and I would absolutely work with all of them again on a show that doesn't have this baggage," Schwarzenegger said in the statement.

Donald Trump denies he will work on The Apprentice while president

It had been reported that he would continue to be an executive producer of the show he helped create.

He tweeted on Saturday that he would "devote zero time" to the new series, which will be hosted by actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger.

However, Mr Trump did reaffirm that he has a "big stake" in the show.

Mr Trump fronted the series, which is owned by MGM and aired by NBC, until 2015, when his political career took over.

Donald Trump will remain EP on 'Celebrity Apprentice'

That agreement, first reported by Variety and confirmed by sources at NBC and the Trump campaign, means the president will be paid by a media company that also reports on his presidency -- a major conflict of interest for the network.