Yahoo News The Apprentice star rubbishes 'media speculation' around his exit from the show
Lord Sugar announced on this week's episode that Reece Donnelly was no longer able to be a part of the process
Reece Donnelly has addressed the "media speculation" around his surprise exit from The Apprentice, insisting he chose to quit as a result of "health issues".
The 25-year-old theatre school owner, who has also acted in shows including Waterloo Road, appeared in the opening segments of this week's episode of the show, but was absent when the task began.
Read more: Former contestant says The Apprentice should be axed
Prior to the boardroom portion of the episode, Lord Sugar announced: "As you know, Reece wasn't able to take part in the task and has subsequently left the process."
Numerous newspaper reports, including in The Sun, alleged that Donnelly had been drinking on the flight from London to Dubai for the task, leaving him unable to take part when they arrived.
Watch: Lord Sugar vows to continue The Apprentice for a long time
However, Donnelly has denied these claims in his first interview since leaving the show — appearing on The Edit for BBC Scotland.
He 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."
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Donnelly said he does not regret the decision to walk away from the potential Lord Sugar investment, saying he would "choose health over wealth any day".
He 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."
This week's episode of The Apprentice saw the candidates travel to Dubai in order to put on luxury corporate away days for high-flying clients.
Read more: Where are the winners of The Apprentice now?
It was South Africa safari guide Joe Phillips who was ultimately fired from the process, after guests at an away day in the desert were given only a limited supply of drinking water.
There are now 10 contestants remaining in the running, with new episodes of The Apprentice airing on BBC One every Thursday.
Watch: Trailer for series 17 of The Apprentice
