A contestant from The Apprentice says he left the show due to “health issues” as he addressed “speculation” over the reason behind his exit.

Reece Donnelly, who owns a theatre school in Glasgow, was hoping to become the first Scottish candidate to hear the words “you’re hired” from Lord Alan Sugar.

However, his chances of securing the £250,000 business investment came to end after he was revealed to have left the process on Thursday.

It was reported that the 25-year-old was kicked off the BBC show for drinking alcohol on a flight to Dubai despite a ban from producers.

Donnelly was featured in the opening of the latest episode before the contestants headed to Dubai for the latest task.

However, he was missing from the rest of the show and did not compete with his teammates.

In the boardroom later, Lord Sugar told the candidates: “As you know Reece wasn’t able to take part in the task and has subsequently left the process.”

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Following the episode, Reece told BBC Scotland’s The Edit on Saturday: “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.”

Donnelly added: “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.”

Donnelly did not take part in the aftershow, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, hosted by comedian, Tom Allen on Thursday.

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