A FAVOURITE to win BBC’s The Apprentice has quit after he was accused of using racist language.
Cosmetic dentist Dr Jana Denzel is understood to have used the highly offensive term “coloured” to describe a black person during a task.
The incident was reported to show bosses who made him do diversity training immediately after filming.
Next day Dr Jana told Lord Sugar: “I’m leaving.” The BBC says his exit was unrelated to the dressing down.
The cosmetic dentist, whose clients include A-list stars, dramatically told Lord Sugar in the famous boardroom that he didn’t feel a “good fit”.
Dr Jana had been part of a team creating a character for a marketing campaign when he is understood to have used the phrase “coloured” to describe a black person.
The highly-offensive term is said to have shocked two female teammates and was flagged to show bosses. They took “swift action” and made him do diversity training immediately after filming finished.
Dr Jana, who has spoken of his pride at his Sri Lankan heritage and refugee parents, sat in on discussions with producers to make sure he understood the offensive nature of the remark. He then announced his decision to quit.
Viewers will not be told about his “ill-informed comment” but his exit will air at the end of Episode Five in two weeks.
Last night a show spokesperson claimed Dr Jana’s departure was unconnected to the race-row incident. Dr Jana declined to comment.
All 18 candidates had been given strong warnings about sensitive language during an Episode Two task also involving skin colour.
Speaking of the later task, a source told The Sun: “The team had been discussing what the character should look like, and there were suggestions from some members to make sure the character was inclusive.
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The source added: “The team were particularly shocked because, coming from a minority background himself, they did not expect Jana to use such offensive language to describe their marketing campaign.
“While his co-stars did push back and make it clear to Jana the comment was unacceptable, it was then escalated further when it was flagged to the production team, who pulled Jana aside.”
Lord Sugar shocked
It was made clear that candidates who were affected were offered support behind the scenes.
Dr Jana’s show profile says he earned three degrees before building a leading dentistry practice in London’s Harley Street.
His clients are said to range from Hollywood stars to Grammy Award-winning musicians.
He grew up in Watford after his parents fled Sri Lanka’s civil war and had been a favourite to win given his business background.
An “expert in smile makeovers” he was hoping The Apprentice’s first prize of £250,000 investment from billionaire Lord Sugar, 77, would help him grow his business globally.
Dr Jana’s decision to throw in the towel shocked Lord Sugar and his business associates on the BBC show Karren Brady and Tim Campbell — and also avoided any chance of him being fired in the boardroom meeting to discuss his team’s results.
Earlier, ahead of Week Two’s task to create an AI pop star, candidates were sat down to discuss the importance of using sensitive language.
This was in line with the show’s normal duty of care in case of discussions about skin colour and heritage.
Producers are said to have supported his decision to leave.
A show spokesperson said of the race row: “Jana withdrew for completely unrelated and separate reasons, and has our full support.”
Discussing the alleged racial slur they added: “We were made aware of an ill-informed comment.
“As soon as it was flagged, we took swift and comprehensive action to address the issue.
“Whilst we have made it very clear to Jana that his use of language was not acceptable, we are confident there was no ill- intent behind it. The concerns of all parties involved have been addressed and resolved.”
In recent series The Apprentice has upped the ante with behind-the-scenes training on topics including the use of racially- inclusive language after a series of scandals.
Zero tolerance policy
In 2023, Shazia Hussain exclusively told The Sun that she had been racially bullied on the series, and made three complaints to the BBC, who she slammed as having “let her down”.
The Yorkshire businesswoman revealed: “I feel I was verbally abused by some candidates.
“They (the BBC) brought in a diversity specialist to talk to everyone, but I feel nothing changed. The teams were also rearranged, but I feel the bullying continued.”
At the time, a representative of The Apprentice stressed they had a zero-tolerance policy on any kind of bullying or threatening behaviour, and would take all complaints seriously.
Last year candidate and former NHS doctor Dr Asif Munaf was pulled from the show amid a backlash over anti-Semitic remarks and derogatory comments about women which he was accused of making online.
A handful of contestants have withdrawn voluntarily since 2005.
Adele Lock quit the first series after losing four tasks.
In 2007’s third series Katie Hopkins, who had made several barbs at contestants, rejected Lord Sugar’s offer of a place in the final citing problems with childcare provision.
In 2010 Raleigh Addington exited the show after finding out his soldier brother had been badly injured on tour in Afghanistan.
Scott Saunders waved goodbye to the series in 2015 after an alleged row with Lord Sugar.
In 2016 Aleksandra King stepped back after telling her teammates she was finding the experience “overwhelming, stressful and really intense”.
Shama Amin announced she’d quit three weeks into the show in 2022 due to the pain she experienced with rheumatoid arthritis.
In 2023, bridal boutique owner Shannon Martin left the boardroom amid “doubts” that the show, or Lord Sugar, would boost her business. In the same year, Reece Donnelly left due to health reasons.
- The Apprentice continues at 9pm on BBC1 next Thursday.
- Exclusive by Jake Penkethman
THE Apprentice’s latest fired candidate Carlo Brancati, above right, has taken a swipe at Lord Sugar following his exit from the show — saying he does not praise contestants enough.
The businessman, 38, who works in hair transplant services, was booted off after the billionaire show host branded him “disruptive and unpopular”.
Carlo found himself clashing with fellow contestant Max England, above left, whom he accused of intentionally hindering his performance.
Their feud continued in the boardroom — with Lord Sugar less than impressed.
Speaking to The Sun, Carlo said: “I wish Lord Sugar could have given me a few tips. You don’t really get to interact with him at all.
“It would be nice if he could just come out and say well done and shake hands.
“I get he’s a billionaire, he’s a busy guy, but me, personally, I would just say congratulations. That would have been nice.”