The Apprentice is set to suffer a dramatic blow as a candidate walks out before the task begins in the fourth episode of the series.

The contestant, who has not been named, decides to opt out of the process before their team’s planning meeting, forfeiting the chance to win Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.

It is the first time a business hopeful has walked out before a task has begun.

The Apprentice
A candidate walks out of The Apprentice in the fourth episode (BBC/Boundless)

The unexpected departure leaves 14 candidates to tackle a fashion task in which the two teams take over luxury London store Liberty.

Teams Nebula and Titan have to introduce a new product line to promote and sell in the high-end shop, and are also tasked with running a personal shopping service.

Last week, sausage company owner Oliver Nohl-Oser was fired by Lord Sugar for becoming flustered during a sweet-making challenge.

The Apprentice
The Apprentice’s Oliver Nohl-Oser left last week (BBC/Screengrab)

The candidate who walked out will join this week’s fired business person on You’re Fired with Rhod Gilbert at 10pm on BBC Two, directly after The Apprentice airs on BBC One.