Boris Johnson had a “sexual intention” towards US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri, she has claimed.

The former model has to date refused to confirm or deny any sexual relationship with Johnson during media appearances in recent weeks.

But during a live interview on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Show on Monday, Arcuri said Johnson’s relationship with her was based on “not just a sexual intention”, as she insisted he was a “man of his word”.

Johnson has refused to comment on the nature of their personal relationship when questioned.

Arcuri has been at the centre of a controversy involving Johnson over allegations she received favourable treatment for her business ventures during his eight-year stint as mayor of London.

On Sunday, ITV Exposure alleged the pair were involved in an affair for more than four years.

During Monday’s live interview on the BBC, Arcuri said: “I was convinced this was a man of his word because I couldn’t believe the fervent, linear focus which he had on me.

“I assure you it was not just a sexual intention, he actually was very intrigued by my energy, my ability to get things done – he loved my events, and he saw the way I could work a room, the way I met everybody.”

Earlier, Lorraine Kelly laid into Arcuri during Good Morning Britain, accusing her of “not answering any questions” that were put to her during the interview.

When asked by Susanna Reid if she’d had an “affair” with Johnson, Arcuri said: “I’m not going to answer that question, but as you can tell, there was a very special relationship there.

“When it did come out, half the people already assumed the affair and told me to admit it. The other half wanted me to deny, deny, deny.”

Immediately after that interview ended, Reid and co-host Piers Morgan threw to a live video-link with fellow ITV presenter Kelly, to discuss what was coming up on her show.

“God that was crazy, wasn’t it?” Kelly began. “That was… what was the point? Coming on, and not answering any questions. [What was] the point of that?”