Carrington Saunders, a loungewear entrepreneur and candidate on the upcoming series of BBC's The Apprentice, has publicly apologised for filming herself while driving, a practice that is both illegal and highly dangerous under UK law. The apology comes after multiple videos surfaced on her YouTube channel, showing her engaging in risky behaviour behind the wheel.
Details of the Dangerous Footage
In the videos, Saunders was observed taking both hands off the steering wheel for extended periods and diverting her attention from the road. One particularly alarming clip captured her nearly causing a collision, with Saunders remarking, 'I nearly hit my rims.' These actions contravene strict UK regulations that prohibit the use of devices while driving, with penalties including fines, up to six penalty points, and potential driving bans.
Saunders' Public Apology and Legal Implications
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Saunders expressed regret for her actions, stating, 'I regret my actions and apologise unreservedly. Driving while filming content is unsafe and unacceptable, and I take full responsibility for this serious lapse in judgement.' Her apology highlights the severe risks associated with distracted driving, which is classified as one of the 'fatal four' causes of road deaths in the UK, alongside speeding, driving under the influence, and not wearing a seatbelt.
Statistics from 2023 underscore the gravity of this issue, with 23 fatalities and 652 injuries recorded in incidents where drivers were using mobile phones. This context emphasises the importance of adhering to road safety laws to prevent tragic outcomes.
Background on Carrington Saunders
Ahead of her appearance on The Apprentice, Saunders has described herself as someone who is 'not afraid to speak my mind, stand up for what I believe in and take the lead.' Hailing from south East London, she built her online loungewear business from scratch while earning a first-class business degree, relying heavily on social media for promotion. However, this recent controversy casts a shadow over her entrepreneurial achievements.
Further Controversies in The Apprentice Line-Up
This incident is not isolated, as another Apprentice star has recently apologised for resurfaced social media posts containing racist and sexist comments. Additionally, contestant Levi Hague, aged 33, has faced scrutiny for past support of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, with now-removed posts on X (formerly Twitter) that included offensive language towards police and women.
The upcoming series 20 of The Apprentice, led by Sir Alan Sugar with advisers Tim Campbell and Baroness Karren Brady, is set to return on January 29, featuring 20 new contestants from diverse backgrounds, including a barbershop owner and a mortgage broker inspired by Kim Kardashian. These controversies have sparked discussions about the conduct of reality TV participants off-screen.
Metro has reached out to Saunders, the BBC, and the AA for further comment on the matter. The Apprentice will be available on iPlayer and BBC One starting January 29, inviting viewers to follow the business challenges amid this backdrop of public scrutiny.
