Damaging footage of Donald Trump recorded while he appeared on The Apprentice is being held back by the show's creators for legal reasons, it has been claimed.

Days after a video clip was released of Mr Trump seemingly boasting about making lewd advances at women, a former producer on the US TV series claimed there were "far worse" tapes of the Republican presidential candidate.

Following the leak of the tape, in which Trump claimed he could "do anything" to women, Bill Pruitt tweeted: "As a producer on season 1 & 2 of #theapprentice I assure you: when it comes to the #trumptapes there are far worse. #justthebeginning."

The show's creator Mark Burnett has claimed "various contractual and legal requirements" have so far prevented him from releasing the unseen footage.

In a joint statement with MGM Holdings Inc, which acquired his production company, Mr Burnett said: "Despite reports to the contrary, Mark Burnett does not have the ability nor the right to release footage or other material from The Apprentice.

"Various contractual and legal requirements also restrict MGM's ability to release such material."

Mr Burnett went on to stress he had "consistently supported Democratic campaigns".

Calls for the show's makers to release unflattering footage it may have of Mr Trump gathered momentum on social media following Friday's leak.

Lord Sugar, who presents the UK version of The Apprentice, tweeted: "I'm willing to bet NBC has some gems on Trump 11 years Apprentice."

He also tweeted TV network NBC, saying: "You must have some unofficial rushes of Donald while recording the Apprentice over the 11 years. Come on and grow a pair and publish."

On the tape released on Friday, Mr Trump was overheard saying: "I am automatically attracted to beautiful women.

"I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss, I don't even wait ... and when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything."

Trump has since dismissed his comments as "locker room banter", using his debate with rival Hilary Clinton over the weekend to apologise: "I'm not proud of it. I apologised to my family. I apologised to the American people. I have great respect for women. Nobody has more respect for women than I do."

Following his public apology, a video of Mr Trump sacking a female contestant on The Apprentice for her use of a "locker room" anecdote has been widely shared.

Since the second presidential debate aired over the weekend, Mr Trump's ratings have taken a hit in the polls, with the latest data from NBC News indicating that Hilary Clinton has opened up an 11 point lead will less than a month until the election.