The Apprentice contestant Lottie Lion claimed she was sent death threats in the run-up to the show’s first episode.
Wednesday’s episode saw Lottie, 19, try to battle it out against 16 hopefuls to show Lord Sugar what they’re made of in order to secure a £ 250, 000 business investment from the mogul.
But Lottie revealed she was sent horrible messages and stories about death just days before her debut, which she reported straight to Avon and Somerset police.
The teenager was told “this could happen to you”, and said she was “shocked” and felt “very threatened “by the messages.
Lottie, who is from the area, said: “Being involved in The Apprentice is a wonderful opportunity.
” At a time like this in my life I should be able to focus entirely on the process and winning an investment from Lord Sugar.
“I appreciate that being on such a program does project me into the limelight – however there is no excuse for such threatening behavior.
” You never know if they are empty or not. “
Miss Lion claimed that a number of messages were sent to her on Saturday, admitting it was approximately 40 messages later that night.
Lottie claimed: “The death threat occurred between 1am and 2am and they made threats to kill me and cause grievous bodily harm.
” Due to the severity of the threats, I have to take the case seriously and am very grateful to Avon and Somerset Constabulary for being so thorough with their investigation.
“I look forward to the process and won’t allow such thoughtless people to deter my concentration. I would like to remind everyone to always be kind. “
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We are investigating claims of harassment against a Somerset teenager.
” The 19 – year-old has been subject to threats and abuse over social media from two other women. Police enquiries into the matter are continuing. “
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The ambitious first episode of the new series of The Apprentice saw contestants fly to Cape Town, South Africa for a challenging task.
Lottie previously said she is “very cut-throat” and believes her poise and “powers of persuasion” are her greatest business qualities.
* The hit show is broadcast at 9pm every Wednesday on BBC One.
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