The Apprentice is supposed to be completely about business - but sometimes it feels more like Love Island.
Despite a sex ban and Lord Sugar's reported hatred for candidates getting together behind-the-scenes during filming, there have been a number of secret romances over the years.
Contestants have split up from their partners to pursue a love interest, have secretly hooked up away from the cameras and one couple even had a baby together.
However, the most surprising relationship of all happened between Kate Walsh and Philip Taylor during the fifth series in 2009.
Licensing Development Manager Kate was the highly motivated and ambitious golden girl who smashed every task she faced.
While estate agent Philip got the unwanted nickname of ‘Pants Man’ after designing the bizarre superhero character to put on a cereal box - and even dressing up in the strange costume.
The pair began a full-blown romance in between the tasks set by Lord Sugar - but then Kate dramatically turned on her lover in the board room.
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Kate and Philip were seen getting up close and personal during the first few episodes of the series
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.”
Their relationship was exposed when Kate and Philip were seen flirting, messing about and even enjoying a cuddle in the car during one episode.
They even decided to head off to the pub together in the middle of a task, much to the annoyance of their project manager project Lorraine Tighe.
An irate Lorraine later teold the cameras: “I want to know what is causing all the distractions. And I hope for Kate, Phil and Ben’s sake it is not Kate’s beauty.”
A show source added: “Kate and Philip are mixing business with pleasure – and it’s not having a positive effect on them selling. Their relationship is a big part of this week’s show.”
Their relationship look doomed when Kate brutally turned on Philip in the boardroom during week seven, which resulted in him being fired.
When they faced claims that their closeness impacted their ability, shocked Kate replied: "It's a cheap tactic and it's completely untrue.
"I would never compromise my business performance for personal reasons. I've got no loyalties here, Philip or otherwise.
"I don't think it was Philip's strongest task. All I know is I'm here to win."
While Philip was given the chop, determined Kate managed to reach the final but failed in her bid to be hired by Lord Sugar.
After filming finished their romance fizzled out because they lived so far apart - with Kate living in London and Phil just outside Durham.
But following a two-month separation they rekindled their relationship and even went to meet each other’s parents.
Phil told a pal: “I have definitely fallen for Kate – she is the most amazing girl. Not only does she look stunning, but she is sharp as a tack and has a brilliant sense of humour.”
The couple were said to be “blissfully happy” as they moved in together and there was even talk of wedding bells.
“I went into the Apprentice for a job. I didnt get that job but I got Kate Walsh. I know that she is the one,” he told Grazia magazine in 2009.
“Ive been out with a lot of girls but never anyone like her. I’d marry her tomorrow if I could.”
Kate didn’t seem to want things to move quite so quickly but she did admit she has never felt as serious for any of her other boyfriends.
“Obviously this relationship has all happened pretty fast and neither of us want to appear silly or rash,” she said.
“We’re both adults and I don’t need a ring on my finger to know how Phil feels. What I would say is that Ive never, ever wanted to get married but now its definitely something I would consider.”
Sadly, it was reported in 2010 that their relationship had come to an end following rows over her TV career.
Kate tried her hand at TV presenting on Channel Five’s Live From Studio Five, where she replaced Denise Van Outen, which took up a lot of her time.
Friends say Phil was finally calling time on their relationship because Kate wanted to concentrate on her career while he wants marriage and kids.
At the time, a source said: "Phil feels Kate's not the same girl he fell in love with. He wants marriage and children, but she's made it clear that kids are not part of the set-up at the moment. Since she got her TV job, her career has put a strain on the relationship.
"Phil feels that Kate is too career-minded and they don't have as much fun as they used to.
They added: added: "Kate's bitter because she feels that Phil has been holding her back.
"Phil really thought they were meant for each other but he can't stand it anymore. I don't think anyone else is involved - he's just fed up and wants out."
However, in a dramatic twist, Kate then hit back at the speculation by stating that they were very much still together.
"We haven't split up and are still very much in love. Every couple has their ups and downs and we did have a row,” the told Closer magazine in 2010.
"But despite rumours, it certainly wasn't about Phil wanting to get married and have babies - he wants that less than I do!"
The couple were still together in 2012 as Philip spoke about how strong their relationship was three months on, but unfortunately they did end up splitting.
After The Apprentice finished, Philip struck gold with the Body-Rocka, a fitness product that amazingly he developed during a task.
He turned his product into a business and started selling the portable board, which can tone key muscles and improve balance, to stores such as Argos.
Elsewhere, Kate hosted a fashion segment on GMTV for a number of episodes before presenting Live From Studio Five on Channel 5 from September 2009 until its cancellation in February 2011.
However, she then moved back into the business world and went on to work as an executive assistant for Pandora.
She started a jewellery brand and became general manager for the UK, then last year she was promoted to senior vice president of omnichannel retail.
Kate relocated to Pandora’s global headquarters in Copenhagen for her new role, where she has been working to create a world-class personalised customer experience and develop a new store concept.
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