Apprentice is warned over ‘push’

The Apprentice’s Selina Waterman-Smith was given a “verbal warning” after a physical altercation with fellow contestant Charleine Wain.

The pair had been at loggerheads throughout the third episode of the BBC1 reality show, but things took a turn when events agency owner Waterman-Smith gave her rival “a quick, single push”, following a disagreement when Vana Koutsomitis took Elle Stevenson and Jenny Garbis back to the boardroom.

The fight happened off-screen on the show, which aired on October 21.

A source close to the programme said: “The incident was witnessed by several members of production.

"Selina pushed Charleine, and at no point did Charleine initiate physical contact with Selina or respond.”

A spokesperson for The Apprentice said: “The incident, which resulted in Selina being given a verbal warning, was dealt with quickly and professionally. Both women decided to stay in the process after discussions with the team.

However, Waterman-Smith, 31, fired back at Wain on Twitter, writing: “I think it’s pretty obvious by the constant verbal attacks shown on TV who the bully is, not to mention the continued cyber abuse.

“Nobody gave me any warning, I was promised to be separated from her on future tasks and in the house, that was the only reason I stayed.

"Producers don’t see everything, like jostling, snide comments and ‘off camera’ things, but they might see self-defence from me.”

Wain, also 31, tweeted back: “Not going to waste my time on false allegations, but would like to state truth always comes out! #selina #apprentice everyone sees through u.

"Thank u to all producers for stating the truth & for papers publishing with the correct info, truth always reveal.”

Charleine Wain was said to be shocked by incident

Both women had been on the same team for the week’s challenge, which had seen Waterman-Smith, a former dancer turned events organiser, negotiate for snails by telling the seller a sympathetic story.

A friend of Wain, who served in Britain’s navy for more than 11 years, said she was “upset and shocked” by the incident.

“Charleine was completely in shock, she didn’t want to retaliate and make the situation any worse, she took the dignified response and walked away,” they said.

“She spoke at length to both the production team and her husband decided she wanted to continue in the process.”

The Apprentice continues on BBC1 on Wednesdays.