The News of the World is understood to have paid around £40,000 for the rights to Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins' story after she dramatically walked out of the BBC1 show last night.
And in what is thought to be a magazine first, Emap has signed a joint deal for its stable of four celebrity titles with Heat, Closer, Grazia and First all sharing an interview and photoshoot with Hopkins.
It is understood the News of the World paid around £40,000 for Hopkins' story - which it plans to run over two weeks from Sunday - while Emap is rumoured to have shelled out around £25,000.
Most major tabloid newspapers bid for Hopkins' story, with the Sunday Mirror understood to have been closest to the News of the World's offer.
The Sun is thought to have shown an initial interest but did not make a formal bid. The Mail on Sunday considered tabling a joint offer, first with the News of the World and then the Sunday Mirror, before deciding to bid alone.
James Herring, co-founder of public relations company Taylor Herring which is representing Hopkins, would not confirm figures but said "substantial sums" were offered.
Hopkins is thought to be undertaking the interviews later today following an appearance this morning on Radio Five Live.
She is also considering several approaches to appear on TV shows.
She has become the hottest star of the business reality show thanks to her forthright views and affair with fellow contestant Paul Callaghan.
Hopkins shocked viewers last night after getting through to the final then quitting the show after Sir Alan Sugar would not let her sort out childcare arrangements first.
"Hers is a truly unique story," said Mr Herring. "She is the first person to leave Sir Alan Sugar's boardroom without being fired.
"She has also been very forthright and confrontational and has had an opinion on everything which has made for great TV."
Meanwhile, newspapers are already preparing to bid for Big Brother contestant Emily Parr's story after she was booted out of the house in the early hours of this morning following her use of a racially offensive word.
It is understood the News of the World, Sunday Mirror and Daily Star Sunday are all interested in landing a Parr interview.
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