[Spike]

Apprentice hopeful Michael Sophocles had "close ties" with the programme before he applied to work for Sir Alan Sugar, according to a report.

Sophocles, 25, was employed by EMP Media, a small firm which publishes the BBC One show's official magazine.

One ex-colleague has suggested that Michael may have used his position to grab a place in the final line-up of candidates.

The source told The Sun: "I was very surprised to see Michael on the show as EMP has such great links with The Apprentice. He's a pushy bloke who likes to get his own way. If he did it, though, it's very unfair because it's supposed to be an open contest."

However, a spokesman for the show insisted that no rules have been broken.

DS