YouView has swapped its non-executive chairman for Sugar. And before you say, "how many bags?", we're talking about the entrepreneur and host of The Apprentice.

Former incumbent Kip Meek, who joined YouView when it was still known as Project Canvas, has resigned from his post leaving the way for Lord Sugar to take over. It comes after a troubled couple of months for the joint venture between the BBC, ITV, BT, Channel 4, TalkTalk, Arqiva, and Channel 5, including Pocket-lint's exclusive revelation that the service has been delayed until February 2012.

Richard Halton, the former head of the BBC's Corporate Strategy Team, who joined YouView as CEO in September last year, thanked Meek for his part in the switch from Canvas to YouView: "“Kip joined YouView at a pivotal time in our development and has helped us make a standards based, open internet-connected TV environment a reality,” he said.

“We would like to thank him for his considerable contribution in the development of the next generation of television.”

However, it is Lord Sugar's undoubted experience in the consumer electronics market, including the manufacturer of the Sky's original digital boxes and satellite dishes, that stands him as a better candidate for the role: “Lord Sugar’s experience in delivering set top box technology to the consumer is unrivalled and we are delighted that he will be with us as we introduce a new, enhanced television experience to homes across the UK," said Charles Dunstone, chairman of TalkTalk, on behalf of the shareholders.

"As we move from the development to the delivery stage I can’t think of anyone better placed to help bring YouView to market than Lord Sugar.”

Kip Meek himself also supports the move to get Lord Sugar on board: “It has been apparent for some time that the YouView board would benefit from additional expertise in consumer marketing and technology delivery. Lord Sugar clearly supplies this. As the venture progresses towards launch, the change in Chairman makes sense. I wish Lord Sugar well," he said.

Will this appointment be the beginning of a new era for YouView? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...