THE North-East lost its second of two Apprentice hopefuls last night when Philip Taylor heard the fatal words “You’re fired”.

The County Durham estate agent was kicked out by Sir Alan Sugar after flirting with fellow contestant Kate Walsh in front of team-mates.

Mr Taylor was the region’s last candidate vying for a job with Sir Alan plus a six-figure salary, after sandwich shop chain owner Rocky Andrews, 21, of Chop Gate, North Yorkshire, went out in week two of the 12-week series.

Viewers last night saw Sir Alan tell the 29-year-old that his bravado and attitude would not fit into his organisation.

Mr Taylor, who was tipped as a potential winner in the early rounds, now fears his legacy will be the Pants Man character he created to advertise a cereal brand in a previous show.

During the competition Mr Taylor clashed with Sir Alan and had blazing rows with contestants, particularly Lorraine Tighe, who exposed his alleged romance with team-mate Miss Walsh.

After losing a task in which candidates selected products by new British inventors to sell, the irate team leader told Sir Alan their close relationship affected their ability.

But Miss Walsh accused her of using cheap tactics and denied letting her personal life hinder her performance. Sir Alan told Mr Taylor his employees would not react well to his fiery personality.

He said: “I think I’m clear in my mind that your bravado and attitude isn’t going to fit in my organisation.

So Philip, you’re fired.”

Visibly crushed, the teary-eyed estate agent stormed out of the boardroom.

Later he said: “I’m disappointed. I thought I had the potential to go a lot further than this.

“Unfortunately, I crossed paths with Lorraine and it was the end of us.

“Yes, I’ve got a big mouth, there is no doubt about it, but I’m a much better candidate than she is.”

Show insiders said Mr Taylor is expected to sign a newspaper deal and was therefore not doing general interviews.

Colleagues at Robinsons Chartered Surveyors, in Durham City, were yesterday tight-lipped about Mr Taylor’s performance in the show and of his plans.