The Apprentice's Reece Donnelly reveals REAL reason why he quit
Speculation has been rife about his departure
Last updated 14th Feb 2023
As this year's candidates headed over to Dubai for the latest challenge on last week's episode of The Apprentice, one budding entrepreneur was missing from the episode, after being forced quit in Week Six due to health reasons.
Scottish candidate Reece Donnelly, who owns a Theatre School in Glasgow, was unable to fly to Dubai with the rest of his co-stars, meaning he wasn't able to carry on in the competition for a chance to win the £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar.
Why did Reece leave The Apprentice?
HOWEVER, after the episode aired rumours in the press were rife that Reece was actually removed from the show by bosses, after drinking alcohol on the flight to Dubai, despite a ban being put in place.
Reece has now broken his silence on the allegations, admitting they are not true.
Speaking to The Edit at the weekend, Reece said: "Unfortunately I had to leave the process due to health issues. I know there is a million and one media speculation and stories running around and I just want to make that clear.
"Sometimes you just need to listen to your body is all I have got to say on it, and the show is tough.
"For me, who is such a go-getter, it was one of the hardest choices I have ever had to make but it is a choice that I stand by now.
"Nine months later, I'm all good and I'm here."
Speaking to The Daily Star ahead of the episode airing last week, Reece said: "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 later told the publication: "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."
Check out the most successful winners of The Apprentice below:
Ricky Martin
Series: 8
Year: 2012
Company: Hyper Recruitment Solutions
Net assets: £2,260,000
Tom Pellereau
Series: 7
Year: 2011
Company: Stylideas
Net assets: £1,370,000
Dr Leah Totton
Series: 9
Year: 2013
Company: Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics
Net assets: £664,490
Alana Spencer
Series: 12
Year: 2016
Company: Ridiculously Rich by Alana
Net assets: £494,740
Mark Wright
Series: 10
Year: 2014
Company: Climb Online
Net assets: £471,940
Carina Lepore
Series: 15
Year: 2019
Company: Dough Artisan Bakehouse
Net assets: £260,300
Sarah Lynn
Series: 13
Year: 2017
Company: Sweets In The City
Net assets: £220,080
Sian Gabbidon
Series: 14
Year: 2018
Company: Sian Marie Fashion
Net assets: £130,280
James White
Series: 13
Year: 2017
Company: Right Time Recruitment
Net assets: £92,210
Harpreet Kaur
Series: 16
Year: 2022
Company: Oh So Yum
Net assets: £2,600
As fans will know, Reece isn't the only candidate to quit the 2023 series.
Bridal Boutique owner Shannon Martin made the decision to quit the process in Week Two, before herself and her team were even given feedback from Lord Sugar.
Following her exit, Shannon explained her shock decision, saying: "I think that going into the process, I was already having some doubts of whether I should go in or not.
"But when you’re given such an amazing opportunity, you’re not ever going to turn that down, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime that I’m forever grateful for."
Meanwhile, despite the 17th series airing every Thursday night, bosses are on the lookout for applicants for series 18, which is set to air early in 2024.
If you fancy taking part in The Apprentice, you can apply right here.
The Apprentice airs at 9pm every Thursday night on BBC One.
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