Tighe reveals 'Apprentice' romance

Lorraine Tighe revealed to Sir Alan Sugar that Phillip Taylor and Kate Walsh had been romancing off camera during last night's Apprentice.

Tighe, whose team lost this week's task, brought Taylor and Walsh back to face Sir Alan Sugar in the boardroom, arguing that their relationship had impeded on their sales challenge.

"I just think they were on a jolly day out to be honest," Tighe told Sugar. "Outside of this boardroom there is a close friendship going on here and I believe on that day it did affect their ability."

However, Walsh insisted that Tighe's insinuations about her relationship with the estate agent were not accurate.

"It's a cheap tactic and it's completely untrue," she said. "I would never compromise my business performance for personal reasons. I've got no loyalties here, Phillip or otherwise.

"I don't think it was Phillip's strongest task. All I know is I'm here to win."

Tabloid speculation about Taylor and Walsh's relationship has been rife since the series began in March. Reports earlier this month suggested that the couple got back together after filming ended and are "blissfully happy".

Taylor was fired by Sir Alan Sugar at the end of last night's show, with the multi-millionaire arguing that he was concerned by the 29-year-old's "bravado and attitude".

The Apprentice continues next Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One.