CELEBRITY Apprentice bosses have reportedly been left fuming after Laura Whitmore pulled out of the show.
With just days before filming starts, former Love Island host Laura, 39, left the casting team scrambling after deciding not to appear in the show.
The charity special, marking 20 years of The Apprentice, includes Big Brother host AJ Odudu, EastEnders star Jake Wood, and JLS singer JB Gill in the line-up.
However, Laura will not be taking part due to an “unavoidable clash” in her schedule.
A source told MailOnline: “Laura infuriated BBC bosses by pulling out of the Celebrity Apprentice special.
“There can be a lot of last-minute changes in television, but it was just days before filming started, and the team were left in a difficult position.”
“Laura’s schedule didn’t align, so she had to back out, but her decision put many people in an awkward spot.”
Joining the special are other well-known names, including TV personality Rob Rinder, actress Sarah Hadland, and 2019 Apprentice contestant Tom Skinner.
Further celebrity participants confirmed for the one-off show include Gladiator Matt Morsia, comedian Eddie Kadi, stand-up Shazia Mirza, former Strictly contestant Angela Scanlon, Paralympian Kadeena Cox, and Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges.
The Sun has contacted representatives for Laura and the BBC.
The return to a celebrity format is the first in six years.
Last time out, comedians Omid Djalili and Russell Kane and interior designer Kelly Hoppen took part for Comic Relief.
One new signing in particular isn’t involved just to make up the numbers, he’s desperate to win.
A source said: “The bosses are so happy to have secured them both, as they are really big names for the cast and each have a strong fan following.
“Jake in particular is really competitive, so he will definitely want to win!”
The Beeb has yet to confirm the final line-up, which is expected to include a dozen people split between two teams of men and women.
The spin-off has gravitas and past high profile celebs to take part include Cheryl Cole and Piers Morgan.
Jake Wood is taking part[/caption]
Sarah Handland will star in the special[/caption]
AJ Odudu has signed on the dotted line[/caption]
