Homophobia row hits 'The Apprentice'

Apprentice star Mona Lewis made a homophobic comment during filming for the BBC One reality series, it has been claimed.

The 28-year-old businesswoman, who was raised in Tanzania, reportedly offended her gay teammate Howard Ebison by expressing controversial views on the programme.

According to the Sunday Mirror, the row began when Sir Alan Sugar challenged the candidates to create a new image for the seaside town of Margate.

After Ebison suggested rebranding the location as a gay resort, Lewis apparently rejected the idea before admitting that she would not like her six-year-old son to meet a homosexual man.

An insider told the newspaper: "Howard did very well to keep his cool as he was extremely offended. He had to put up with a certain amount of homophobic abuse when he was growing up, so this really upset him.

"The group was stunned that someone as intelligent as Mona could have such old-fashioned views. Even though she was raised in a country with more traditional values, her comments were indefensible."

Show producers are still said to be considering how much of the incident will air amid fears that it could offend viewers.