'I think there were a few romances in the house but they've been put on the back burner' HOPEFULS GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS.

Byline: SARAH BARDON

ROMANCE has been put on hold in The Apprentice as the contestants set their eyes on the prize, mentor Brian Purcell revealed yesterday.

Four of the housemates had allegedly been getting down to the wrong kind of business in the TV show house.

But Brian said the relationships have been postponed as the tension starts to build.

He added: "I think there were a few romances in the house but they have been put on the back burner as the contestants are now only concentrating on winning the show.

"And yes they are all friends but what you have to realise is that your friend is willing to take you down and the closer you get to someone, the harder it is going to become. The stakes are too high."

The TV3 hit show has delivered a crushing blow to RTE, as it trounced its rival in the Monday night ratings war.

Almost half a million viewers tune into the programme every week - beating the competition hands down.

Brian said: "In Monday night's show, figures were touching on the Late Late Show's.

"Everyone is talking about it. I can't believe how well it has gone. We are absolutely thrilled."

He is in no doubt the reason for the show's popularity is its "big characters" and added: "Everyone is talking about one person in particular. He has become a phenomenon, an icon - Breffny Morgan. I think he should be given the freedom of Cork city.

"He has more than 15,000 fans on his Facebook page. The best part of it is he doesn't try to be funny, he just is that way. It is brilliant.

"This guy is only 23, he could have a brilliant career ahead of him. Richard Branson better watch out."

And viewers can look forward to some "TV gold" next week as the contestants feel the wrath of tycoon Bill Cullen.

Brian added: "Bill erupts like a volcano in next week's show. He is really p****d off with the candidates and lets them know.

"I remember when I first started working with Bill, he once lost his temper with me and it was terrifying.

"So viewers will be surprised to see this side to him, he will really show his true self.

"He feels like the teams are getting lazy and don't care and he just loses it. It is great television."

Ruth O'Dowd became the latest hopeful to get fired in The Apprentice this week - after boss Bill branded her useless.

The Cavan hopeful refused to take part in the follow-up show You're Fired and declined media interviews after being booted out.

Brian added Bill definitely made the right decision. He said: "The right person went. She messed up too often and had no personal skills. There are stronger people in the competition."

BRIAN'S VERDICT ON THE FINAL SIX

BREFFNY VERY bright. Need to remember is Breffny came straight from college to the Apprentice.

AOIFFE A VERY good candidate. But she gets side-tracked easily. Gets into pointless fights with Geraldine.

GERALDINE

VERY capable but still some questions over her talent. Gets sidetracked by war with Aoiffe.

STEVEN HIGGINS VERY good marketing man. He is a good seller, he is the best one-on-one we have.

STEVE RAYNER

HE is very capable candidate. Could do well at the end.

LUCINDA

SHE is the closest candidate to Brenda. I'm sure she is one of the best we have.

CAPTION(S):

TASK MASTER Brian Purcell