You're fixed! Apprentice show caught in second fixing row

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The Apprentice has been caught in a second fixing row as it was revealed hopeful contestant Michael Sophocles worked for a firm with close ties to the show.

The 25-year-old telesales worker was employed by the publisher of the TV hit's official magazine.

EMP media brings out the title for Talkback Thames - the BBC1 show's producer.

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Michael Sophocles was employed by EMP Media, which has close ties with the BBC

It is the second time the show has been rocked by accusations of fixing after it emerged fellow contestant Ian Stringer, 27, has been employed by the BBC for five years as a radio sports presenter.

An ex-colleague of Sophocles told the Sun: "I was very surprised to see him on the show as EMP has such great links with The Apprentice.

"He's a pushy bloke who likes to get his own way... It's supposed to be an open contest."

It has also been revealed that he can have his old job back if he falls foul of Sir Alan's favour and is fired.

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Ian Stringer landed a spot on the Apprentice, despite working for the BBC as a radio sports presenter

A spokesman for EMP said it did not break BBC guildelines and corporation bosses insisted it had not broken any of its editorial guidelines in Mr Stringer's case.

It is understood that programme makers discussed the issue with BBC bosses, who allowed Mr Stringer to carry on in the show, and the corporation said he had been given no preferential treatment by the independent production company making The Apprentice.

Meanwhile an ex-boyfriend of fellow contestant Jenny Celerier has accused her of cheating on him and called her a "man-eater".

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Ruthless: Jenny Celerier has already caused quite a stir on the show and has been dubbed Katie II

In an interview with the Mirror, Marc Sugden said his former lover was power hungry, cheated on him repeatedly and allowed her 13-year-old son to play in a hotel pool while she sunbaked naked on a beach a mile away.

"There are only two things which interest Jenny - money and power," he said.

Another former beau also said: "You couldn't have a quiet even keel relationship with Jenny.

"When I saw the Apprentice I thought, 'I'm so glad she's not in my life anymore'."

Jenny has already caused a stir in her ruthless quest to become the next Apprentice.

In last week's show she appointed herself team leader, failed and then stabbed fellow contestant Shazia Wahab in the back in the boardroom to ensure she was booted off the show.

Her behaviour has led to her being dubbed "Katie II", after last season's contestant Katie Hopkins, who ran off with her boss.

Tycoon: Apprentice boss Sir Alan Sugar on the show

 

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