PRODUCTION staff have had to step in after four Apprentice hopefuls got a bit too friendly during filming.

Makeup artist Grainne McCoy and marketing exec Paul Sullivan locked lips, while ex-stripper Jessica Cunningham and Courtney Wood got close in the house.

5 Some candidates got too friendly during the show Credit: BBC

A source told The Mirror: “Both couples would suddenly disappear and there were several times they’d be found upstairs under the covers, kissing.”

Production team researchers on the hit BBC show would have to tell the boys to go back to their own bed.

The four singletons are among the 18 hopefuls competing for a £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar in the new series.

5 Courtney Wood cuddled Jessica Cunningham when she cried Credit: Twitter

Show rules state that candidates can't have sex in the house.

Paul, 38, made a move on Northern Irish babe Grainne, 31, after the first task which was broadcast on Thursday.

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The insider added: “They were flirting. Paul thought she had a really nice bum.

“That night in the house they left the others and kissed. After that it was a fairly regular thing. One night they were watching a romcom in Grainne’s bed and one of the production team had to tell them enough was enough.”

5 Paul made a move on Grainne after the first episode Credit: PA:Press Association

5 Makeup artist Grainne McCoy from Northern Ireland locked lips with Paul Credit: timstewartnews@gmail.com

"Lovey-dovey" Courtney and Jessica got "ticked off" by production staff after they were found kissing under the covers.

The pair also reportedly held hands in the mansion they shared.

5 Jessica called Courtney C-Dubz Credit: PA:Press Association

The source revealed: "Jessica gave Courtney a pet name, ‘C-Dubz’. She cried during the series, and he’d give her cuddles.

“The most nauseating incident was when Jessica picked spots off his back.”

Their romance fizzled out after the series ended because of the distance, and Courtney was ready to settle down with mum-of three, Jessica.

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