The Apprentice star Jessica Cunningham forced to deny romance with co-star Courtney Wood
Jessica was fired from last night's show and is now backing her friend Courtney to win
FIRED Apprentice star Jessica Cunningham has put to bed rumours that she had an off-screen fling with fellow candidate Courtney Wood.
The 29-year-old online fashion businesswoman has shut down speculation that the pair had a romance following reports that Courtney had given her "cuddles when she broke down in tears during the series".
Jessica told : "You’ll have to ask Courtney on that one…but no, we’re just good friends."
In fact, the pair are on such good terms she is actually backing the gift company owner to win the series as he faces Alana Spencer in the final round of the BBC business show.
Courtney revealed on Thursday’s episode that he plans on developing his business of novelty gift ideas, while Alana wants to develop her cake business.
Alana and Courtney hugged it out in the taxi after being announced as the two finalists before Alana remarked: "It's all smiles now but you're the one standing in my way of £250,000."
Courtney has won two tasks as project manager but has also faced the firing line twice, while Alana has been in front of Lord Sugar’s firing line three times and won one task as project manager.
Jessica made it through to the semi-final and interviews episode of the show, but was fired at the final hurdle after Lord Sugar expressed concerns about her business plan.
She caught the attention of viewers during the series for her tearful breakdowns and wacky personality.
The quirky star wasn’t the only candidate that has been forced to defend her friendship with another contestant during this year’s series - with Grainne McCoy and Paul Sullivan also being put into the spotlight for a potential romance.
Grainne was quick to shut down the rumours and revealed: “I’ve been very much single all year and I’m going to keep it that way until 2017, until my husband comes and sweeps me off my feet.”
However, the star was quick to add: “I haven’t found him yet either!”
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