The new series of The Apprentice hasn’t even kicked off yet and already we hear that two of the candidates couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

The Mirror has reported that licensing development manager Kate Walsh and estate agent Philip Taylor embarked on a romance during their time recording the show and whilst they have since broken up their relationship is said to have continued after the show wrapped.

A show source said: “Kate was flirting with some of the boys from day one and Phillip made it clear he was interested. He made a move and the pair got together after that.

“After it was all over, they continued to see each other – though it didn’t last.

“But while they’re no longer an item, they’re still in touch and their relationship is sure to be in the spotlight once the series is under way.”

However The Sun reports that Sir Alan was furious when he found out about the affair.

A source close to the show told the paper: “It was pretty obvious Phillip and Kate had the hots for each other from the start.

“They’re both really good-looking and feisty — it was an instant attraction.

“Everyone else knew about it but when Sir Alan found out he went mad. He hates it when there’s any kind of ‘funny business’ going on, as he calls it.”

At the series’ launch earlier this week, Sir Alan said that he was “not sure” if there had been any romances this year. But he added knowingly: “I’m sure you lot will find out.”