APPRENTICE contestant Adam Hosker said he regretted going on the TV show as he faced an allegation that he assaulted a man in a nightclub.

The 29-year-old is accused of punching a 21-year-old man after a drink was spilled at the Liquid and Envy, Blackburn, on Friday.

Police said a formal complaint had been made and a statement given to officers who were investigating the claims.

In a letter to the Lancashire Telegraph, the alleged victim demanded an apology.

But Mr Hosker, who lives in Whalley and works in Waterfoot, denied attacking the man.

Mr Hosker said his new fame from appearing on BBC show The Apprentice had badly affected his life.

He also revealed that he was meant to be visiting three schools in Blackburn next week to give motivational talks but that education bosses cancelled them because of the allegation.

Mr Hosker, who used to work for Kitchens Renault dealership in Burnley and Preston, said: "I'm not the type of person who goes out causing trouble. I'm not a thug.

"Sometimes I wish hadn't gone on the show. It has changed my life and in many respects not for the better."

Mr Hosker said he turned down several lucrative job offers in London following the TV show as he wanted to stay in Lancashire.

He said: "People think I have a lot of money now but that couldn't be further from the truth.

"I'm skint. I went on there to try and clear my debts but I've come away with more debts because I wasn't earning in the months I was on the show."

Mr Hosker, who lives with long-term girlfriend Ruth, 21, graduated in sports management at the University of Central Lancashire in 2004, but went for a career in sales after showing his entrepreneurial side as a youngster.

He took a job as sales director designate at IT Team, Waterfoot, after being fired from the show in May.

On the show Mr Hosker was praised for his ability to sell and, despite letting him go, Sir Alan described him as being "a likeable lad, real grafter and a good salesman".

Mr Hosker's boss David Quinn said: "A group of sixth formers came in taking pictures ringing their mum saying 'we're with Adam from The Apprentice', which is the nice side.

"But then there're the others who shout you're fired' and stick their finger two inches from his eye."

A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman said: "We are investigating reports of an assault on a 21-year-old local man in a nightclub in Blackburn on Friday.

"No arrests have been made but inquiries are under way in to the incident."