Shazia Hussain, a rookie, claims she was racially bullied

Debutant candidate Shazia Hussain has alleged that she was subjected to racial bullying during her time on the programme.

Shazia, a real-life contestant, said her troubles began after she named a preschool cartoon after Yogita’s giraffe during an assignment under the theme of diversity and inclusion.

However, she insists, some people on her team struggled to know the animal’s name, saying that young children would not be able to pronounce it.

I told the sun: I felt attacked because of it. I think it was racist.”

As her team won the assignment, she added, “After the episode, I felt verbally abused by some of the candidates.

I (BBC) brought in a diversity specialist to talk to everyone but I don’t feel any change. The teams have also been rearranged but I feel like the bullying is going on.

I feel like I was so bullied and harassed that I asked to leave the house. I feel the BBC has let me down.

She added that she had complained about the three candidates involved but did not hear anything, adding that she thought she was fired after the fifth task “because it was easier to get me out of the situation”.

Shazia said she believed the BBC had not fulfilled its duty to care for her.

A spokesperson for The Apprentice told the publication: ‘The Apprentice has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of bullying or threat.

Once Shazia raised a concern, an investigation was launched and she received personal support from senior members of the production team.

The Apprentice has a strict code of conduct and we take all complaints very seriously and investigate when needed.

As a result, when action is called for, we take it.

Throughout the process, there is always someone on hand to deal with any concerns including five members of the production team who live at home with the candidates during filming.

If anyone wants to leave the home or process, candidates are free to do so at any time.

From the outset of the process, Shazia, along with all the other candidates, provided extensive and ongoing support, in all aspects of the welfare (including social media management), from the BBC and production company.

“The duty of care for all our candidates is our highest priority and the support provided to candidates before, during and after is paramount.”

MailOnline contacted the intern for further feedback.

In total there will be 12 episodes in this series.

Only two finalists can proceed to the final and secure the life-changing investment in their business.

The finalists must launch a new venture and present it to Lord Sugar for a chance to win his £250,000 investment and become his next business partner.

The Important Interviews episode took place on a Thursday, which means that the final episode, where this year’s winner will be announced, will take place on Thursday 23 March on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm.