Bannerman said he was "terrified" about having to face his girlfriend

Bannerman admitted he was in "big trouble" with his girlfriend over his flirting with singer Cerys Matthews.

But he insisted "nothing is going on". His partner, actress Sarah Matravers, returned to the UK after two days in Australia, saying she was "confused".

The vote was between Bannerman and Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins.

'Best if I left'

Bannerman said he would have to apologise to his girlfriend, admitting he had embarrassed her.

He said he had connected with Matthews on a "very deep" level and that they had "bonded really quickly".

"Nothing happened between us at all but it's really difficult not to crave a little bit of love," he added.

The actor appeared in EastEnders as restaurant worker Gianni di Marco between 1998 and 2000.

Matravers had earlier told producers that she could not watch the "man I love disrespecting me" so she was returning home.

"I'd love to be able to forgive him but I'm so confused at the moment, I'm shell-shocked. So I've got to get home."

Matthews, former lead singer with Catatonia, threatened to leave the camp, saying: "It would be best and easier if I left tomorrow."