Claims Of Bullying Made Against BBC Apprentice TV Show

Claims of bullying on The Apprentice are "unsubstantiated", a spokesperson for the programme has said.

The rebuttal comes after pharmacist Navid Sole — who was fired from the show on Thursday — said he was left in tears after failing a task.

Sky News reports that the erstwhile contestant was labelled a "snake" and a "clown" during filming for the BBC series, hosted by Lord Alan Sugar.

A statement on behalf of the programme refuted the claims, saying the allegations were "unsubstantiated".

The spokesperson said:

"Thorough and robust duty of care protocols are in place which include an experienced network of support for candidates who are in regular contact before, during and after filming.

"All contributors agreed to a code of conduct which was put in place from the outset in order to protect and prioritise their welfare.

"These allegations are unsubstantiated and do not reflect the measures put in place to look after the candidates."

2018 Apprentice UK winner Sian Gabbidon.

Last week, contestant Shama Amin quit the show for health reasons.

The 41-year-old, who owns a day nursery, suffers with rheumatoid arthritis and told Lord Sugar the show had become too "physically demanding" for her.

The Apprentice sees business hopefuls compete to win £250,000 of investment and go into business with Lord Sugar.