The cast of the latest series of The Apprentice with Lord Sugar (Image: BBC)
candidate Dr Jana Denzel has reportedly left the BBC show after allegations of ‘using racist language’.
It has been reported that the cosmetic dentist used the term ‘coloured’ to describe a black person during a task, prompting a complaint to the show’s producers and a request for him to undergo diversity training.
The following day, Dr Jana reportedly informed of his decision to leave, citing that he didn’t feel he was a “good fit” for the show, but claiming his departure was unrelated to the reaction from the show’s bosses.
The incident is believed to have occurred during a task where the team was creating a character for a marketing campaign, with two female candidates expressing shock at his comment and reporting it to the show’s producers. All 18 contestants had previously been warned about using sensitive language during an earlier task.
Dr Jana’s exit is expected to air at the end of the fifth episode in two weeks’ time, with his “ill-informed comment” not being explained on the show itself, but his exit scenes will be shown to viewers in a fortnight, reports .
Dr Jana quit the BBC show (Image: BBC)
A source shared: “The team were particularly shocked because, coming from a minority background himself, they did not expect Jana to use such offensive language to describe their marketing campaign.
While his co-stars did push back and made it clear to Jana the comment was unacceptable, it was then escalated further when it was flagged to the production team, who pulled Jana aside.”
A spokesperson for the show said: ” Jana withdrew from the process for completely unrelated and separate reasons, and he has our full support.”
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One contestant quit The Apprentice (Image: BBC)
Of the use of the alleged term, the spokesperson said: “We were made aware of an ill-informed comment.
“As soon as it was flagged, we took swift and comprehensive action to address the issue.
“Whilst we have made it very clear to Jana that his use of language was not acceptable, we are confident there was no ill-intent behind it. The concerns of all parties involved have been addressed and resolved.”