The Apprentice's Alex And Claire Hired Too?

Alex Wotherspoon and Claire Young have both worked for Sir Alan Sugar in recent months despite losing out on being his Apprentice.

Claire was revealed as runner-up to Lee McQueen on the hit BBC show last week, but she has still worked for Sir Alan’s firm Viglen in recent weeks.

Alex, 24, who was reduced to tears after losing out in the final four, also completed a three month contract with the company after the show finished filming.

A BBC spokesperson confirms, “Alex decided to take up his offer and completed a short-term contract with a subsidiary company of Viglen. But he no longer works for them."

However, the spokesperson was keen to emphasise these jobs had not been kept from the public, who watched as one contestant fought to become one of the tycoon’s permanent employees.

“The filming process is not a secret. If viewers want to know more, all the details are shown on the website. But we’re confident most viewers prefer to enjoy the programme in its current format," they said.

"He employs finalists until the programme is shown as they would be unable to find employment for this short period and cannot be out of pocket."