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The Only Way Is Essex

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The Only Way Is Essex
File:Towie opening title.png
GenreReality television
Created byRuth Wrigley
Tony Wood
StarringJess Wright
James "Arg" Argent
Sam Faiers
Lauren Pope
Chloe Sims
Gemma Collins
Mario Falcone
Elliot Wright
Narrated byDenise van Outen
Opening theme"The Only Way Is Up" by Yazz
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series10
No. of episodes121 (list of episodes)
Production
Running time30–60 mins (series 1)
45–60 mins (series 2–7)
50–60 mins (series 8–present)
Production companyLime Pictures
Original release
NetworkITV2
Release10 October 2010 (2010-10-10) –
present
Related
It's All About Amy
Mark Wright's Hollywood Nights
The Hills
Geordie Shore
Made in Chelsea
Desperate Scousewives
Jersey Shore

The Only Way Is Essex (often abbreviated as TOWIE) is a BAFTA award-winning reality television show based in Essex, England. It shows "real people in modified situations, saying unscripted lines but in a structured way."[1] The show is filmed just a few days in advance. It is narrated by Denise van Outen, who is from Basildon, Essex. The show has been described by the Daily Mirror as Britain's answer to The Hills and Jersey Shore.[2]

The series airs for four weeks, airing on Wednesdays and Sundays at 10pm on ITV2. The first series consisted of 10 episodes and ran for 30 minutes with a Christmas special followed later in the year. Due to popularity the show was extended to 45 minute episodes and renewed for a year's airing. On 22 May 2011, the series won the Audience Award at the 2011 BAFTA Awards. The tenth and latest series aired from October to December 2013 consisting of 13 episodes including a fourth Christmas special.

Series

Main articles: List of The Only Way Is Essex episodes and TOWIE Live

Series one began airing on 10 October 2010 and concluded on 10 November 2010, consisting of 10 episodes. Due to the success of the series, a Christmas special aired the same year on 24 December 2010. This series was heavily centred around the love triangle of Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger, and Lucy Mecklenburgh. Five of the main members of the cast appeared on Alan Carr: Chatty Man on 21 February 2011 to discuss the first series and also confirmed a second series.

Series 2 began airing on 20 March 2011 and concluded on 4 May 2011. Due to the popularity of the first series, the second series consisted of 14 episodes. Before the series aired, the cast filmed a four-minute music video that was screened on ITV2; dance duo LMFAO remixed their hit single "I'm in Miami Bitch" and replaced it with "Im in Essex Girl". This series saw the departure of Amy Childs off screen and introduced new characters Joey Essex and Gemma Collins.

Series 3 began airing on 24 September 2011 and concluded on 9 November 2011, consisting of 14 episodes. This series saw the departures of original cast members Mark Wright, Harry Derbridge and Kirk Norcross. A second Christmas special aired on 20 December. The cast of the third series (excluding Wright and Norcross) covered the Wham single "Last Christmas"; the official video premiered on ITV2 in November and the single peaked at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart. The cast for series 4 was officially announced on 24 January with the announcement that Maria Fowler and Harry Derbidge would not be returning.[3] On 25 January the show was nominated for "Most Popular Reality Programme" at the National Television Awards. Series 4 returned on 29 January 2012 and ended on 29 February. Series 5 began airing 15 April and yet again ran for 10 episodes concluding on 27 May 2012. An hour-long special entitled The Only Way Is Marbs, set in the holiday destination of Marbella, aired on 13 June 2012.[4] Tinchy Stryder made a guest appearance in the episode. Series 6 started airing from 22 July and concluded on 22 August. It was confirmed that original cast member Lauren Goodger would be leaving the series in the final episode. The seventh series started airing from 30 September 2012 with all of the cast from the previous series returning (apart from Goodger) and original cast member Kirk Norcross returning to the series after departing in series 3, the series will conclude on 31 October.[5] An eighth and ninth series was confirmed shortly after to be aired in 2013. On 13 November 2012, it was confirmed that three festive specials would air in December including a live episode, a first for any reality show. The specials aired from 3–19 December. On 19 December during the Christmas special, Lydia Bright announced that she was leaving the series.

Series 4 began airing on 29 January 2012 and ended on 29 February 2012, consisting of 10 episodes. Before the series aired it was confirmed that the show would run like a soap opera and therefore be screened throughout the entire year with four series airing in 2012. This series introduced numerous new characters due to the amount of departures from series 3, including Charlie King and Bobby Norris. Lauren Goodger confirmed that she would depart in the final episode of series 6 due to wanting to pursue other things, her final appearance was shown in the finale of series six. Kirk Norcross returned in series 7 after departing in series 3, making him the first cast member to return to the show. The series was renewed for two further series in August 2012, set to air sometime in 2013.[6] On 13 November 2012 it was confirmed that three festive specials would air in December including a live episode, a first for the show. Sam Faiers later tweeted "I'm really excited but so so nervous! It's going to be an amazing experience. Who knows what will happen... especially in Essex!" The live episode was met with numerous negative reviews, with Digital Spy commenting that it just didn't work and being complete car crash TV with it not making much sense. On 14 December 2012 it was confirmed that former cast member Mark Wright would return for a cameo appearance in the 2012 Christmas special, Wright confirmed this speaking to The Sun saying "Arg is a bit down right now, so I'm doing this for him. I know how excited he will be. It should be great fun and I'm looking forward to catching up with old friends." Original cast member Lydia Bright, Tom Kilbey, and Cara Kilbey all left after this series. In February 2013 it was confirmed that a film adaptation of the show would be made and would be set in Dubai with filming starting in the summer of 2013.[7] Series 8 started airing from 24 February 2013 and saw the introduction of several new supporting cast members. The series saw the departures of numerous long serving cast members such as Kirk Norcross, Debbie Douglas and Mick Norcross, who all announced their departures mid-way through the series.[8][9] An advert released on 22 May 2013 on ITV confirmed that Series 9 will begin with a The Only Way Is Marbs special. The series will begin 2 June 2013.[10] On 24 May 2013, it was announced that Billi Mucklow, Darrell Privett and Danni Park-Dempsey had all been axed from the show as well that Gary Lineker's brother, Wayne Lineker had joined the cast.[11] The tenth series began with two Vegas specials on 6–9 October 2013.

Series 8, the first of 2013, began airing on 24 February. On 23 February, the day before the premiere of the first episode, it was reported that Lucy Mecklenburgh and Mario Falcone had split for a second time due to reports of Falcone cheating with new castmember Amy Broadbent, although the couple have not officially confirmed the reports.[12] The same day the series began, it was reported that Joey Essex and Sam Faiers would make series 8 their last series to appear as they wanted to star in their own reality spin-off series, having filmed a pilot in 2012, although no sources have confirmed.[13] New cast members were officially confirmed on 24 February to be twin sisters Amy and Sally Broadbent. However on 7 March, Lucy Mecklenburgh announced on Twitter that Amy had been used by the show create storylines and had been dropped fom the cast.[14]

Series 9 began with a The Only Way Is Marbs special as confirmed by an advert airing on ITV on 22 May 2013. It was also confirmed that it would begin 2 June 2013.[10] On 24 May 2013 it was revealed that Gary Lineker's brother, Wayne Lineker, had joined the cast. It was also announced that Billi Mucklow, Darrell Privett and Danni-Park Dempsey had all been axed from the show.[11] Series 10 began with two-hour long The Only Way Is Vegas specials on 6 and 9 October 2013, as confirmed by ITV Press Centre on 25 September 2013.[15] The regular tenth series followed running fro 13 October to 13 November, in the series finale it was confirmed that Joey Essex would make his final appearance.

Cast

Main cast

This is the main current cast for series 1–10.

From series 1–3, the main cast received star billing in the opening credits, and were credited by their first names.

Cast member Age Series(s) Notes
Jess Wright 27 1–present Jess is the sister of former cast member Mark Wright, she runs her own lingerie shop called 'With Love, Jessica'. Educated at Bancroft's School. Ricky Rayment's girlfriend.
James "Arg" Argent 25 1–present Arg is the best friend of Mark Wright and ex-boyfriend of both Lydia Bright and Gemma Collins.
Sam Faiers 22 1–present Sam is the co-owner of Minnie's Boutique with her sister Billie, former glamour model. Ex-girlfriend of Mark Wright; recently engaged to Joey Essex after a rollercoaster romance beginning in series 2 before splitting only to reconcile in series 5 and become engaged in Dubai during the series 8 finale. However in series 9, the pair split again and ended their relationship.
Lauren Pope 31 1–present Lauren is a DJ, model and businesswoman and best friends with Chloe Sims. She is the ex-girlfriend of Kirk Norcross and briefly dated Tom Pearce and Mario Falcone.
Chloe Sims 31 2–present Chloe is the sister of Charlie Sims and the cousin of Joey Essex and Frankie Essex, and best friend of Lauren Pope. Sims is also a single mother to daughter Madison who appeared in series 4 of the show.
Gemma Collins 32 2–present Gemma is the ex-girlfriend of both Arg and Charlie King and took an early shine to Mick Norcross (not reciprocated). Gemma has had a very public battle with her weight which has been documented throughout the series.
Mario Falcone 25 3–present Mario is Lucy's ex-boyfriend and has been best friends with supporting cast member Little Chris.
Elliot Wright 32 10–present Elliot is the cousin of Jessica Wright and Mark Wright, he is currently the main love interest for Sam Faiers.

Supporting cast

Cast member[16] Age Years credited Job/role Series(s)
Patricia "Nanny Pat" Brooker 72 2010–present Jess and Mark Wright's grandmother and Carol Wright's mother. 1–
Billie Faiers 23 2010–present Sister of Sam Faiers. She appeared in series 1, but without any speaking parts, before being cast as an official cast member in series 2. 1–
Carol Wright 52 2011–present Jess and Mark Wright's mother. 2–
Ricky Rayment[3] 22 2012–present Financial manager, owner of Bar Blanco in Rayleigh and Jess Wright's boyfriend. 4–
James "Diags" Bennewith[3] 21 2012–present Best friend of Joey Essex and Tom Pearce, and briefly dated Abi Clarke 4–
Chris "Little Chris" Drake 25 2012–present Best friend of Mario Falcone. 4–
Bobby-Cole Norris 27 2012–present Hair stylist and best friend to Charlie King and Gemma Collins. 4–
Tom Pearce 22 2012–present School friend of Joey Essex, dated Lauren Pope, Lauren Goodger,Abi Clarke and Lucy Meclkenburgh. 5–
Jasmin Walia[17] 22 2010, 2012–present Appeared in one episode in series 1 auditioning for the group LOLA before returning in series 7 as a supporting cast member. Former love interest for Charlie King and James Argent. 7–
Abi Clarke 21 2013–present Best friend of Jasmin, has dated Diags, Tom Pearce, and James Lock on the show. 8–
Dan Osborne 23 2013–present Model, best friend of James Lock and ex-fling of Lucy 8–
James Lock 24 2013–present Best friend of Dan Osborne 8–
Ferne McCann 23 2013–present Sam and Billie Faiers' friend, Charlie Sims' girlfriend 9–
Charlie Sims 21 2013–present Chloe Sim's brother, Joey and Frankie Essex's cousin, Ferne McCann's boyfriend 9–

Former cast

Cast member[16] Age Years credited Job/role Series
Mark Wright 26 2010–2011, 2012 Nightclub promoter, ex fiancé of Lauren Goodger. 1–3, 7
Lauren Goodger 26 2010–2012 Ex fiancée of Mark Wright, ex-girlfriend of Tom Pearce, owner of product line & shop Laurens Way. 1–6
Kirk Norcross 24 2010–2011, 2012–2013 Son of Mick Norcross, ex-boyfriend of Amy Childs and Lauren Pope 1–3, 7–8
Harry Derbidge 19 2010–2011 Student and cousin of Amy Childs. 1–3
Maria Fowler 27 2010–2011 Glamour model and former housemate of Lauren Pope, briefly dated Mick Norcross. 1–3
Amy Childs 23 2010–2011 Beautician, cousin of Harry Derbidge and ex-girlfriend of Kirk. Educated at Raphael Independent School. 1–2
Michael Woods 27 2010 Former bar worker at Sugar Hut and friend of Kirk Norcross. 1
Candy Jacobs 26 2010 Former bar worker at Sugar Hut and friend of Kirk Norcross. 1
Lucy Mecklenburgh 22 2010–2013 Owner of fashion boutique Love Lucy and ex-girlfriend of Mark Wright, Mario Falcone, Tom Pearce and Dan Osborne. 1–10
Lydia Rose Bright 22 2010–2012, 2013 Co-owner of boutique Bella Sorella, ex-girlfriend of James Argent and Tom Kilbey. 1–7, 9
Mick Norcross 49 2011–2013 Father of Kirk Norcross, nightclub owner of "Sugar Hut" and briefly dated Maria Fowler. 2–8
Joey Essex 23 2011–2013 Former fiancé of Sam Faiers, cousin of Chloe and Charlie Sims, and Frankie Essex's brother. 2–10
Debbie Douglas 51 2011–2013 Mother of Lydia Bright. 2–8, 10
Billi Mucklow 25 2011–2013 Salon owner, best friend of Cara. Ex-girlfriend of Tom Kilbey and had a brief fling with Kirk Norcross. 3–8
Cara Kilbey 26 2011–2012 Sister of Tom Kilbey, best friend of Billi Mucklow. 3–7
Dino Georgiades 36 2011–2012 Male model and fitness trainer. Twin brother of Georgio Georgiades. 3–4
Georgio Georgiades 36 2011–2012 Male model and fitness trainer. Twin brother of Dino Georgiades. 3–4
Georgina Dorsett 27 2012 Property developer. Fiancée of Manchester United footballer Tom Cleverley. 4–5
Charlie King 27 2012–2013 Best friend of Bobby-Cole Norris, ex-boyfriend of Gemma Collins and Danni Dempsey 4–9
Tom Kilbey 22 2012 Brother of Cara Kilbey, ex-boyfriend of Billi Mucklow and Lydia Bright. 4–7
Danni Park-Dempsey 23 2012–2013 Best Friend of Lydia Bright, dated Charlie King briefly and is in charge of looking after the "Sugar Hut Honeys". 5–8
Danny Walia 19 2012–2013 Brother of Jasmin Walia, friend of Jack Bennewith 7–8
Jack Bennewith 19 2013 Diags' brother, friend of Danny Walia 8

Cast departures

Amy Childs left the show after the second series so that she could enter Celebrity Big Brother 8 (where she came fourth). She then starred in her own reality show It's All About Amy on Channel 5. On 9 January 2012, it was rumoured that Childs would be returning to TOWIE due to It's All About Amy being cancelled, but she denied this via Twitter.[citation needed].

Mark Wright announced that he would be leaving the show to take part in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in which he placed second. Wright's final episode was in the series finale of series 3 on 9 November 2011. Wright later went on to present Take Me Out: The Gossip on ITV2 for two series in 2012.[18] Like Childs, Wright went on to star in his own reality series Mark Wright's Hollywood Nights on ITV2 in June 2012 which ran for 5 episodes but was quickly cancelled due to lack of interest and low ratings. Wright made a cameo appearance in series 6.

On 13 December 2011, Kirk Norcross confirmed he would not be returning to the show saying: "I reached my peak. I also felt I was becoming known as the fiery guy who would flare up, which isn't me. It's just weird how it got, with so many characters fighting for storylines. TOWIE is a great show, but I couldn't see what storyline I was going to end up with - I think I've quit while I was ahead". He later went on to appear on Celebrity Big Brother 9.[19] Norcross returned to the show in the first episode of series 7.

On 9 January 2012, Maria Fowler and Harry Derbidge confirmed their exits from the show on Twitter, with both of them hinting that they have different projects lined up for the future.[20] Fowler thanked her fans for their support, and revealed that she had agreed to leave the show following a meeting with producers.[21] Meanwhile, Derbidge wrote that he was "moving on to different things."[22] Harry had been previously rumoured to leave in September 2011 due to lack of air time and wanting to branch out on his own. Harry now owns his own shop in Brentwood called "Harry's World".

On 22 August 2012, a few hours before the airing of the finale episode in series 6 it was officially confirmed that Lauren Goodger would make her exit in the upcoming episode. Goodger "mutually agreed" a deal to leave the series with ITV, although producers have stated that Goodger could return in the future.[23] On 19 December 2012 original cast member Lydia Bright departed in the 2012 Christmas special. On 19 February 2013 it was announced Cara Kilbey mutually would not be part of the next series; following the departure of her brother Tom Kilbey and a guilty plea for a drunk driving arrest.[24]

On 8 March 2013, Mick Norcross announced he had left the show saying "My club is an upmarket venue where people come to drink champagne and feel spoiled, All these rows they keep filming don't show the club in a good light and I'm worried it's putting people off coming, which is the last thing I want. Allowing the Sugar Hut Honeys to be called slags is the final straw. I would never allow that to happen in my venue. I've had enough. I'm out." Norkross has banned producers from filming in his club "The Sugar Hut" following his departure.[25] On 21 March 2013, Kirk Norcross announced on Twitter that he had left the series for a second time, claiming it had changed too much.[8] On 29 March 2013, Debbie Douglas also announced her departure on from the show on Twitter, saying "For everyone who has been asking me where I have been on recent episodes of TOWIE, I have made the decision to leave the show."[9] On 24 May 2013, it was announced Danni Park-Dempsey, Billi Mucklow and Darrell Privett would all leave the series.[11] Though no formal statements were made, neither Danny Walia or Jack Bennewith were seen during series 9.

On 9 September 2013, Charlie King announced he'd left the show before thanking everyone for the support on Twitter.[26] Four days later, before the series 10 finale, it was confirmed that Joey Essex had left the show and would not be returning for the next series. Lucy Mecklenburgh also left the series during The Only Way Is Essexmas special at the end of the tenth series, on twitter she thanked everyone for their support and said that she's excited for new projects in 2014.

Cast returns

On 30 September 2012, Kirk Norcross returned to the show in the first episode of series seven. Norcross had a stint on Celebrity Big Brother 9 earlier in the year. He continued on the cast during series 8 but then announced he would be leaving the show again. On 16 December 2012, Mark Wright confirmed he would be returning for a one-off appearance in the 2012 Christmas Special, after originally appearing in the show from series 1-3. Mark also had a non-speaking cameo appearance during series six.

On 16 June 2013, it was revealed in the "next time" montage of the episode that Lydia Rose Bright would be returning. She then took to her Twitter to confirm this but said it was only for one episode; she would meet with Lucy Mecklenburgh to help her through her relationship issues.[27] Debbie Douglas returned in episode 8 of series 10 and met up with Lucy Mecklenburgh to advice her on her relationship with ex-boyfriend Mario Falcone.

Cast table

Cast Member Series 1 (2010) Series 2 (2011) Series 3 (2011) Series 4 (2012) Series 5 (2012) Series 6 (2012) Series 7 (2012) Series 8 (2013) Series 9 (2013) Series 10 (2013)
James "Arg" Argent 2010–
Lauren Pope 2010–
Sam Faiers 2010–
Jess Wright 2010–
'Nanny Pat' Brooker 2010–
Billie Faiers 2010 2011–
Gemma Collins Not in show 2011–
Chloe Sims Not in show 2011–
Frankie Essex Not in show 2011–
Carol Wright Not in show 2011–
Mario Falcone Not in show 2011–
Jameas "Diags" Bennewith Not in show 2012–
Chris Drake Not in show 2012–
Ricky Rayment Not in show 2012–
Bobby Cole-Norris Not in show 2012–
Tom Pearce Not in show 2012–
Jasmin Walia 2010 Not in show 2012–
Abi Clarke Not in show 2013–
Dan Osbourne Not in show 2013–
James Lock Not in show 2013–
Ferne McCann Not in show 2013–
Craig Eastman Not in show 2013–
Charlie Sims Not in show 2013–
Elliot Wright Not in show 2013–
Lucy Mecklenburgh 2010–2013
Joey Essex Not in show 2011–2013
Charlie King Not in show 2012–2013
Rami Hawash Not in show 2012 2012 2013
Jamie Reed Not in show 2011 2012 2013
Jack Bennewith Not in show 2013
Danny Walia Not in show 2012–2013
Darrell Privett Not in show 2012–2013
Danni Park-Dempsey Not in show 2012–2013
Billi Mucklow Not in show 2011–2013
Debbie Douglas Not in show 2011–2013
Mick Norcross Not in show 2011–2013
Kirk Norcross 2010–2011 2012–2013
Tom Kilbey Not in show 2012
Cara Kilbey Not in show 2011–2012
Lydia Bright 2010–2012 2013
Lauren Goodger 2010–2012
Georgina Dorsett Not in show 2012
Dino Georgiades Not in show 2011–2012
Georgio Georgiades Not in show 2011–2012
Mark Wright 2010–2011 2012
Harry Derbidge 2010–2011
Maria Fowler 2010–2011
Amy Childs 2010–2011
Candy Jacobs 2010
Michael Woods 2010

Other appearances

As well as appearing in The Only Way Is Essex, some of the cast members have competed in other reality TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Splash!, Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Super Spa.

Reception

Controversy and criticism

The show has been criticised for its negative and stereotypical representation of Essex, and there have been a number of complaints to ITV2.[28] Some Essex residents felt it was not a true representation of the area and the people that live there.[28][29][30][31][32][33] Kirk Norcross responded to this criticism by saying, "We are all from Essex, so this is Essex. It's not acting. It's not like they've got people from America and said 'Right, act like you think you know where Essex is.' We are Essex people so what you're watching is Essex".[34]

In April 2011, it was reported that Big Brother 8 winner Brian Belo planned on suing the makers of The Only Way Is Essex – claiming they "stole his idea".[35] Belo was in the original pilot of the show – provisionally titled Totally Essex[36] – alongside current stars Mark Wright, Sam Faiers, Kirk Norcross and Amy Childs.[35] Belo plans on suing his former manager and Lime Productions, which makes the show, for lost earnings of up to £100,000 a series.[35] The Sun reported that Belo had spent the previous two years working on an idea for a United Kingdom version of The Hills, with his manager successfully pitching the pilot to Lime Productions.[35] After not making the cast list, Belo believed he might be involved in producing the show, but was "cut" from the production entirely.[35]

File:Theonlywayisessex.jpg
Series 1 title card with the original cast members including Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs (2010)

On 24 October 2011, it was reported that sisters Sam and Billie Faiers had been attacked by a group of girls on a night out: "The sisters were first targeted inside the club when the girls made off with Billie's handbag... When they left, the gang followed them back to Essex." An insider also commented saying "Both Sam and Billie later went to A&E to get checked out. They are fine now, just a bit shocked, although Sam has been left with two black eyes." A video of the attack leaked online a day later.[37] The aftermath of the attack was aired during series 3 episode 10.

In May 2012, it was reported that original cast member Lauren Goodger had fallen out with the show's director for her bad timekeeping on set and her diva demands. Goodger appeared in the first four episodes of series 5, and was suspended from appearing in the show, however on 18 May 2012, it was confirmed that the issues had been resolved and that Goodger would be returning to the programme. Goodger returned in episode 9 and her absence from the show was not mentioned on screen.

On 1 December 2012, it was reported that The X Factor finalist Rylan Clark would appear on the TOWIE Live special episode and later return as a full-time cast member in 2013. Following the rumours Kirk Norcross and Mario Falcone reacted to the rumours with Falcone saying, "If he comes on Monday's live show, that's fine because it's all for charity, but if he comes on TOWIE' as a main character, I'm leaving. We hate him. He's a douche bag." Norcross commented, "I've met Rylan before and he's actually a really nice boy but when people think of Essex they just think of the abbreviation, the 'Shut-up', the 'Oh my god' - that was all Amy Childs and we don't want that."[38] On 3 December, following Falcone and Norcross's comments, Clark pulled out of his one-off appearance for the live episode and later commenting saying "TOWIE’s a great programme and I wish them all the best of luck But I can’t do the show because I’ve got commitments to the X Factor tour and I’ve got to be in rehearsals. I’ve never met Mario in my life, so I find it very unprofessional and ungentlemanly for him to go around talking about people he hasn’t even met, Anyone who cheats on his girlfriend that much isn’t worth my time."[39]

Viewership

These viewing figures are taken from BARB.[40]

Series Series premiere viewers
(millions)		 Series finale viewers
(millions)		 Series average
(millions)
1 1.144 0.975 0.916
2 1.547 1.858 1.470
3 2.102 2.210 1.720
4 1.502 1.768 1.520
5 1.658 1.506 1.580
6 1.484 1.092 1.270
7 1.397 1.457 1.460
8 1.470 1.547 1.297
9 1.5101 1.325
10

1 The ratings for this episode does not include ITV2+1.

Production

The show is filmed just a few days in advance, and is narrated by Denise van Outen, who is from Basildon, Essex. The first series ran initially for four weeks, airing every Wednesday and Sunday. The show has been described by the Daily Mirror as Britain's answer to The Hills and Jersey Shore.[2] Series 2 began on 20 March 2011, once again airing every Wednesday and Sunday, but with longer episodes than Series 1. Series 2 also saw the departure of original cast member Amy Childs. The second series consisted of 14 episodes, ending on 4 May 2011. The series returned for a third series on 25 September 2011 and was the final series to feature two of the original cast members Mark Wright whose departure was seen in the final episode whilst Kirk Norcross departed off screen like Childs. The series ended on 9 November 2011.[41] On 2 December 2011 it was revealed that a large amount of the cast would not be returning for the fourth series in 2012 but would feature in the 2011 Christmas Special.[42] The fourth series began in January 2012. Digital Spy reported that the series had been renewed for a further four series following the Christmas Special and would air four 10-episode runs in 2012.[43] On 11 January it was reported that 12 new characters would be joining the cast.[44] In January 2013, ITV began auditioning for a new reality show entitled 'Sent To Coventry', intended as the northern antithesis of TOWIE (though the city is in the West Midlands).

Filming locations

  • The Sugar Hut is the nightclub where most of the cast's nights out were filmed. It's owned by Mick Norcross and was featured from series 1-8. After Norcross' departure from the series at the beginning of series 8 he refused to let any filming happen inside his club until series 10 when the club was allowed to reappear in the series.
  • Faces nightclub has featured throughout the series run and was used heavily in the shows first series it has featured many of the show's biggest arguments.
  • Minnies Boutique is owned by sisters Sam and Billie Faiers, the store has featured since its opening from series 2 onwards.
  • Amy's Salon is owned by Amy Childs, the salon featured in the show from series 1 until Childs' departure in series 2.
  • Belles & Beaus is owned by Billi Mucklow, the salon has featured in the show from series 3 until Mucklow's departure in series 8.
  • With Love, Jessica is owned by Jessica Wright and has featured in the series from its opening in series 3 onwards.
  • Bella Sorella is owned by Lydia Bright and featured in the series from its opening in series 4 until Bright's departure in series 7.
  • Fusey is owned by Joey Essex and has featured in the show from series 8 until his departure from the show in series 10.

Fresh Out of Essex

Fresh Out of Essex was a set of mini online 5–12 minute episodes that were uploaded onto the official website when the series was off air. 35 mini-episodes were uploaded, with two series airing in 2012. The series never returned for 2013.

Music

In December 2011 the show's current cast released a cover of the Wham! classic Last Christmas, with their own unique version of the show's theme song 'The Only Way Is Up' as the single's B-side. The original, by Yazz, spent five weeks at number one in 1988. All profits from the single go to Text SANTA, a major new charity initiative set up by ITV, which aims to raise money and awareness for a group of charities, including Crisis, Samaritans and Great Ormond Street Hospital.[45]

The official video for the single premiered on 1 December at 11 pm on ITV2 and featured Jessica Wright taking lead vocals alongside Lauren and Gemma. The video shows the current cast from series 3 singing in the studio with clips of the Lauren, Mark and Lucy love triangle from series 1. Half of the current cast, including main singers on the single Jessica Wright and James Argent, performed the single on the final episode of the Text Santa TV series.

Singles

Single Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
 IRE
 NLD
"Reem"
(featuring Joey Essex) 		2011 — — — non-album singles
"Last Christmas"
(featuring cast of series 3) 		33 — —
"Dance All Night"
(Jessica Wright) 		2012 36 — — TBA
"Dominos"
(Jessica Wright) 		2013 TBA — — non-album singles

DVD releases

Season Date released # of episodes # of discs Special features
The Complete First Series 28 March 2011 11 2 2010 Christmas Special
The Complete Second Series 26 September 2011 14 3 Chapter Selections
The Complete Third Series 20 January 2012 15 3 2011 Christmas Special
The Complete Fourth Series 7 May 2012 10 2 Chapter Selections
The Complete Fifth Series 1 October 2012 11 2 The Only Way Is Marbs Special
The Complete Sixth Series 8 October 2012 10 2 Chapter Selections
The Complete Seventh Series 18 February 2013 11 2 1 episode of 2012 Christmas Special

International broadcasting

Series 1-7 have been shown in Australia (with Series 8 to start in the first week of September 2013) and Series 1-4 have been shown in New Zealand on LifeStyle You channel on Foxtel. Series 1–6 are available in the United States on video-on-demand site Hulu on HuluPlus. The show airs in Israel on yes Drama. Series 1 has been shown in South Africa (June 2013).

See also

References

  1. ^ Grace Dent's TV OD - Review, The Guardian, 23 October 2010.
  2. ^ a b Huddson, Polly (10 December 2010). "The Only Way Is Essex: Our guide to the jaw-dropping new TV show". Daily Mirror.
  3. ^ a b c Eriksen, Alanah. "There's a new Captain in Essex: Ricky Rayment will be TOWIE's leading man... but he's no Mark Wright". Daily Mail. London.
  4. ^ "The Only Way Is Marbs pictures see TOWIE stars show off bikini bodies". Metro.
  5. ^ "'The Only Way Is Essex' renewed for four more series". Digital Spy. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  6. ^ "TOWIE stars to face axe unless they stop being boring!". Telly Mix. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
  7. ^ Eames, Tom (8 February 2013). "'The Only Way Is Essex' movie to be filmed in Dubai?". Digital Spy.
  8. ^ a b Twitter / kirk_official: Jst 2 let every 1 no I have
  9. ^ a b Twitter / debbietowie: For everyone who has been asking
  10. ^ a b The Only Way is Essex series 9 air date revealed | Radio Times
  11. ^ a b c Gary Lineker's brother Wayne joins 'The Only Way is Essex' - The Only Way Is Essex News - Reality TV - Digital Spy
  12. ^ TOWIE lovebirds Lucy Mecklenburgh and Mario Falcone split AGAIN after he 'cheats with Sugar Hut Honey' | Mail Online
  13. ^ Joey Essex and Sam Faiers to quit TOWIE - to be the next Katie Price and Peter Andre - Mirror Online
  14. ^ Twitter / lucy_meck: At the End of the day there
  15. ^ 'The Only Way Is Vegas' date confirmed - The Only Way Is Essex News - Reality TV - Digital Spy
  16. ^ a b "The Only Way Is Essex – Birds and Blokes". ITV. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  17. ^ Jasmin Walia - Filmography by TV series
  18. ^ Nadine Coyle to present 'Take Me Out' spinoff? - Showbiz News - Digital Spy
  19. ^ "'Only Way Is Essex' Kirk Norcross: 'I never liked Mark Wright' - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV". Digital Spy. 13 December 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  20. ^ "Maria Fowler, Harry Derbidge leave 'The Only Way Is Essex' - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV". Digital Spy. 9 January 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  21. ^ "Maria leaves TOWIE". 9 January 2012.
  22. ^ "Harry leaves TOWIE". 9 January 2012.
  23. ^ 'TOWIE' Lauren Goodger to leave for 'Dancing on Ice'? - The Only Way Is Essex News - Reality TV - Digital Spy
  24. ^ Cara Kilbey quits The Only Way Is Essex | The Sun |Showbiz|TV
  25. ^ BBC - Newsbeat - Mick Norcross quits reality show The Only Way is Essex
  26. ^ 'The Only Way Is Essex': Charlie King quits show - The Only Way Is Essex News - Reality TV - Digital Spy
  27. ^ 'The Only Way is Essex': Lydia Bright returning for one-off episode - The Only Way Is Essex News - Reality TV - Digital Spy
  28. ^ a b "Sam Faiers defends The Only Way Is Essex". Music Rooms. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  29. ^ Langley, William (17 October 2010). "The Only Way is Essex: the worst address in England?". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  30. ^ "TV's The Only Way Is Essex slammed as 'offensive'". Ilford Recorder. 11 October 2010. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  31. ^ "ESSEX: ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex could set us back 20 years". This Is Total Essex. 14 October 2010. Retrieved 5 April 2011. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ "The Only Way Is Essex was insultingly bad". Metro. 20 October 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  33. ^ "The Only Way is Essex...?". Alexandra's Complaints of the Day. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  34. ^ "Only Way is Essex stars: We really do represent our area". London 24. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  35. ^ a b c d e "Brian Belo: Essex was my idea, I'm suing". The Sun. London. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
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  37. ^ "'Only Way Is Essex' Sam Faiers, sister Billie 'attacked by girl gang' - The Only Way Is Essex News - Showbiz". Digital Spy. 24 October 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  38. ^ TOWIE Cast Members In Rylan Quit Threat | The Only Way Is Essex | News | MTV UK
  39. ^ Rylan Clark quits TOWIE after Mario Falcone and cast members abuse him and say he will bring down their IQ level - 3am & Mirror Online
  40. ^ "Barb Broadcasters Audience Research Board". BARB. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  41. ^ "Watch the new TWATS trailer - The Only Way Is Essex". Itv.com. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
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  43. ^ Hooton, Christopher (13 November 2011). "TOWIE 'recommissioned for four more series'". Metro.
  44. ^ "'The Only Way Is Essex': 12 new characters cast? - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV". Digital Spy. 11 January 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  45. ^ "'Only Way Is Essex' stars confirm Christmas single - The Only Way Is Essex News - Music". Digital Spy. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
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