01 February 2024 , 10:02
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Reece Donnelly says he was suddenly axed from The Apprentice over 'health issues' as fans were left sudden by his swift departure form the BBC show.
It had been reported that the theatre school owner was told to leave by producers after drinking too much alcohol on a flight to Dubai during the series.
During the 2023 run, Lord Sugar tasked the candidates with organising and running corporate away days for clients in Dubai. The stars were all seen heading to Heathrow Airport to find out what they'd had to do and catch their flight, with Reece expressing his excitement in the taxi for where they might be going.
However, when they landed in Dubai and got into their teams, Reece was nowhere to be seen.
When they later returned to the UK, Lord Sugar confirmed that Reece was out the competition, telling the others: "So, as you know, Reece wasn't able to take part in the task and has subsequently left the process."
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However, it's now been claimed that Reece had been drinking on the flight even when he was told not to.
"Reece was sent home and didn't film in Dubai. Producers were unimpressed when he had several alcoholic drinks on the flight even though he was told not to," the insider shared to the MailOnline, "Lord Sugar was obviously furious, he couldn't believe someone would risk securing his £250,000 investment for the sake of a drink."
A spokesperson for The Apprentice said at the time: "Reece was unable to continue in the process, this was discussed and agreed between Reece and programme-makers."
Reece previously insisted he had left due to health issues but insisted he had still achieved his "goal", sharing: "I could not continue in The Apprentice due to being unable to complete the task in Dubai for health reasons.
"My goal of being on The Apprentice was to showcase that Scotland has amazing businesses and entrepreneurs. I really hope I’ve done that," he added of why he wanted to take part on the show in the first place."
He vowed to continue watching his fellow candidates in the process.
Reece added: "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the show and I’m looking forward to watching my fellow candidates in the rest of the series. I’m so grateful for my time with Lord Sugar and the team."