Apprentice bosses respond as contestant Navid Sole claims he was 'bullied' by fellow contestant

The Apprentice bosses have responded following eliminated contestant Navid Sole‘s claims that he was bullied during filming.

The 27 year old pharmacist alleged he was left in tears after a fellow contestant on the BBC One series called him a “snake” and a “clown” after a failed task, with producers not stepping in to check on his welfare.

Navid, who was given the boot on Thursday’s episode, told The Mirror that the bullying “affected his performance on the whole show”.

However, a spokesperson for the show has now told OK!: “The wellbeing of the candidates who take part in The Apprentice is of paramount importance.

“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.

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“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.”

Navid initially revealed he asked to move to a different room to avoid being with the alleged “bully”.

“I went to the house and cried to myself because I felt like nobody else was helping. I was worried other contestants would think I was weak by crying.

He added that others saw what was happening but were “scared to speak up”.

“Bullying is a serious thing. It is a cut-throat industry, but I didn’t sign up to the show expecting this”, Navid said, adding that he “regretted” going on the series.

Navid was fired from the show on Thursday, 20 January, after his team failed to impress in the non-alcoholic drinks task.

He is hoping it’s not the last we have seen of him on our television screens, as he’s eyeing up a role on shows like MasterChef and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!.

He told OK! after his elimination: “I’d love to do something like MasterChef. I’d be interested to see what the judges will think of me if I cook something exotic. I just hope I don’t end up making them sick.”

“And I do have phobias when it comes to sleeping in small beds with insects and spiders. I’d definitely do I’m a Celeb Get Me out of Here!”

Days before Navid was booted from The Apprentice, hopeful Shama Amin decided to leave the competition because of health concerns.

The 41 year old suffers with rheumatoid arthritis — a painful condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints from the immune system attacking cells in these areas.

Shama has found it difficult to meet the show’s physical demands and let Lord Alan Sugar know of her decision to quit after careful consideration and clear disappointment.

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