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The show is filmed just a few days in advance. It is narrated by [[Denise van Outen]], who is from [[Basildon]], Essex. Series&nbsp;1 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 (TV series)|Jersey Shore]]''.<ref name="mirror1">{{cite web|author=Polly Huddson|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/10/12/do-ya-think-i-m-essexy-115875-22627873|title=The Only Way Is Essex: Our guide to the jaw-dropping new TV show|publisher=[[The Daily Mirror]]|date=10 December 2010}}</ref> Series&nbsp;2 began on 20 March 2011, once again airing every Wednesday and Sunday, but with longer episodes than Series&nbsp;1. Series&nbsp;2 also saw the departure of original cast member [[Amy Childs]]. The second series consisted of 14 episodes, ending on 4 May 2011. The show returned for a third series on 25 September 2011 and was the final series to feature two of the original cast members: [[Mark Wright (television personality)|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.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/channels/itv2/itv2shows/theonlywayisessex/storysofar/exclusive/mark-wright-towie-tease/ |title=Watch the new TWATS trailer - The Only Way Is Essex |publisher=Itv.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-22}}</ref> The second Christmas Special of ''The Only Way Is Essex'' aired on 20 December 2011.
This is honestly one of the worst shows of all time. They are just spoiled little brats who are seeking fame.

The cast for series&nbsp;4 were officially announced on 24 January with the announcement that [[Maria Fowler]] and [[Harry Derbidge]] would not be returning.<ref name="dailymail.co.uk">{{cite news| url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2090489/The-Only-Way-Is-Essex-series-4-Meet-new-Mark-Wright-TOWIE-bosses-promise-newcomer-Ricky-Rayment-twice-lothario.html | location=London | work=Daily Mail | first=Alanah | last=Eriksen | title=There's a new Captain in Essex: Ricky Rayment will be TOWIE's leading man... but he's no Mark Wright}}</ref> On 25 January the show was nominated for "Most Popular Reality Programme" at the [[National Television Awards]]. Series&nbsp;4 returned on 29 January 2012 and ended on 29 February. Series&nbsp;5 begun 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.<ref>http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/901493-the-only-way-is-marbs-pictures-see-towie-stars-show-off-bikini-bodies</ref> [[Tinchy Stryder]] made a guest appearance in the episode. Series&nbsp;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 and original cast member [[Kirk Norcross]] returning to the series after departing in series 3, the series will conclude on 31 October.<ref name="Digital Spy">{{cite web|url= http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a350617/the-only-way-is-essex-renewed-for-four-more-series.html|title= 'The Only Way Is Essex' renewed for four more series|publisher= Digital Spy|date= 13 November 2011|accessdate= 31 July 2012}}</ref> 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 first special will air on 2 December.

==Series==
{{main|List of The Only Way Is Essex episodes}}
Series 1 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. This series was heavily centred around the love triangle of [[Mark Wright (TV personality)|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, consisting of 14 episodes. This series saw the departures of original cast members [[Mark Wright (TV personality)|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 with the single peaking at #32 on the official UK charts.

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 by [[Digital Spy]] 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 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 6. [[Kirk Norcross]] returned in series 7 after departing from the show in series 3, making him the first ever cast member to return to the series. The series was renewed for two further series in August 2012, set to air sometime in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-only-way-is-essex/100080-towie-stars-to-face-axe-unless-they-stop-being-boring.html|title= TOWIE stars to face axe unless they stop being boring!|publisher= Telly Mix|date= 14 August 2012|accessdate= 13 September 2012}}</ref> 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!"

==Film==
On 21 November 2011 it was reported that a movie adaptation of the series would be made however nothing at the time was confirmed nor denied. Rumours of a movie was fueled again in September 2012 when cast member [[Gemma Collins]] said in an interview that a movie of the series was in the works, in the interview Collins claimed that a movie "Was gonna happen", stating further "It'll be fab, everyone will love it, why not? We don't know where it will be filmed, we don't know when, but I mean we're just normal people with crazy lives." A few days later former TOWIE cast member [[Amy Childs]] said in her magazine collumn that she would return if a movie was made.<ref name="digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a406672/the-only-way-is-essex-movie-in-the-works-claims-gemma-collins.html"/>

==Cast==

===Main===
:''This is the main current cast for series 1-7.
<!-- NOTE: This section does ''not'' generally need to be altered. If you do not have a verifiable source for a cast report, please DO ''not'' CHANGE THE SECTION or include speculation (Per Wikipedia:Verifiability). -->
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Cast member
! Series(s)
! width="80%"| Notes
|-
! colspan="3"| Main cast
|-
| Jessica Wright
| align="center"| 1&mdash;
| The sister of former cast member [[Mark Wright (TV personality)|Mark Wright]], she runs her own lingerie shop called 'With Love Jessica' and has recently released her debut single "Dance All Night" (UK chart 36). The singer has appeared in the series since the pilot episode. Dating Ricky Rayment as of series&nbsp;6 (26)
|-
| Sam Faiers
| align="center"| 1&mdash;
| Co-owner of ''Minnie's Boutique'' with her sister Billie, former glamour model. Girlfriend of Joey Essex. (21)
|-
| Kirk Norcross
| align="center"| 1&mdash;3, 7&mdash;
| Kirk appeared in the first three series dating [[Amy Childs]] and [[Lauren Pope]] and had a public rivalry with Mark Wright. Kirk returned in series 7, is one half of Jirk, a bromannce between himself and Joey Essex. (24)
|-
| Lydia Rose Bright
| align="center"| 1&mdash;
| Co-owner of boutique ''Bella Sorella'' with her sister Georgia May Bright. Lydia was introduced mid-series&nbsp;1 as the on/off girlfriend of James Argent, as of series&nbsp;6 is dating Tom Kilbey. (21)
|-
| [[Lauren Pope]]
| align="center"| 1&mdash;
| DJ,model and business woman, Lauren first appeared during series&nbsp;1 after falling for [[Kirk Norcross]], though he was dating [[Amy Childs]] at the time. Their relationship had ended by the start of series&nbsp;3. Lauren also dated Tom Pearce as of series 5 and is best Friend of Chloe Sims. (30)
|-
| Lucy Mecklenburgh
| align="center"| 1&mdash;
| Owner of fashion boutique ''Love Lucy'', ex-girlfriend of Mark Wright and called off engagement to Mario, but is continuing to date him (21)
|-
| [[Joey Essex]]
| align="center"| 2&mdash;
| Debuting in series 2, Joey is noted for using the word "reem", with it becoming his catchphrase in the show. He is the cousin of co-star Chloe Sims. Boyfriend of Sam Faiers. (22)
|-
Safari Wilson - Joey Essexs first official girlfriend is coming into the show the next series
| Chloe Sims
| align="center"| 2&mdash;
| Cousin of Joey Essex and best friend to [[Lauren Pope]], Sims is also a single mother to daughter Madison who appeared in series 4 of the show. (30)
|-
| Gemma Collins
| align="center"| 2&mdash;
| Car sales assistant who constantly worries about her weight and relationships. She previously dated co-star Charlie King and in series 6 dated James 'Arg' Argent before ending the relationship at the beginning of the seventh series.
|-
| Mario Falcone
| align="center"| 3&mdash;
|
|-
|}

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

===Supporting===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Cast member<ref name="The Only Way Is Essex – Birds and Blokes">{{cite news
| title = The Only Way Is Essex – Birds and Blokes
| url = http://www.itv.com/channels/itv2/itv2shows/theonlywayisessex/birdsandblokes/
| publisher = ITV
| accessdate = 2011-04-08}}</ref> !! Age !! Years credited!! Job/role !! Series(s)
|-
| Patricia "Nanny Pat" Brooker || 72 || 2010– || Jessica Wright's grandmother and Carol Wright's mother || <small>1&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Billie Faiers || 22 || 2010– || Sister of Sam Faiers || <small>1&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Carol Wright || 51 || 2011– || Mother of Jessica Wright || <small>2&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Mick Norcross || 49 || 2011– || Kirk's father, nightclub owner of "Sugar Hut" || <small>2&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Billi Mucklow || 24 || 2011– || Salon owner, best friend of Cara. Ex girlfriend of Tom Kilbey || <small>3&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Cara Kilbey || 24 || 2011– || Best friend of Billi Mucklow and sister of Tom Kilbey || <small>3&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Ricky Rayment<ref name="dailymail.co.uk"/> || 20 || 2012– || Financial manager and current boyfriend of Jessica Wright || <small>4&mdash;present</small>
|-
| James "Diags" Bennewith<ref name="dailymail.co.uk"/> || 20 || 2012– || Best friend of Joey Essex and Tom Pearce || <small>4&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Chris "Little Chris" Drake || 25 || 2012– || Best friend of Mario Falcone || <small>4&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Charlie King || 26 || 2012– || Ex-boyfriend of Gemma Collins and Danni Park Dempsey, best friend of Bobby-Cole Norris || <small>4&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Bobby-Cole Norris || 24 || 2012– || Hair stylist and best friend to Charlie King and Lydia Bright || <small>4&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Tom Pearce || 22 ||2012– || Flatmate of Joey Essex, dated both Lauren Pope and Lauren Goodger || <small>5&mdash;present</small>
|-
| Danni Park Dempsey || 23 ||2012- || Best Friend of Lydia Bright, dated Charlie King briefly || <small>5&mdash;present</small>
|-
|}

===Former===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Cast member<ref name="The Only Way Is Essex – Birds and Blokes"/> !! Age !! Years credited!! Job/role !! Series(s)
|-
| [[Lauren Goodger]] || 25 || 2010–2012 || Ex-fiance of cast member Mark Wright || 1&mdash;6
|-
| [[Mark Wright (television personality)|Mark Wright]] || 25 || 2010–2011, 2012 || Nightclub promoter, ex-fiance of Lauren Goodger || 1&mdash;3<small> (cameo appearance in series 6)</small>
|-
| [[Harry Derbidge]] || 18 || 2010–2011|| Student and cousin of Amy Childs ||1&mdash;3
|-
| [[Maria Fowler]] || 25 || 2010–2011 || [[Glamour model]] and former housemate of Lauren Pope || 1&mdash;3
|-
| [[Amy Childs]] || 22 || 2010–2011 || Beautician, cousin of Harry Derbidge || 1&mdash;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
|-
| Dino Georgiades || 30 || 2011–2012 || Male model and fitness trainer|| 3&mdash;4
|-
| Georgio Georgiades || 30 || 2011–2012 || Male model and fitness trainer|| 3&mdash;4
|-
| Georgina Dorsett || 27 || 2012 || Property developer || 4&mdash;5
|-
| [[Tom Kilbey]] || 21 || 2012 || Brother of Cara Kilbey, boyfriend of Lydia Bright || 4&mdash;7
|-
|}

===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 (UK)|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|date=June 2012}}.

[[Mark Wright (TV personality)|Mark Wright]] announced that he would be leaving the show to take part in ''[[I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (UK TV series)|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&nbsp;3 on 9 November 2011. Wright later went on to present ''[[Take Me Out: The Gossip]]'' on [[ITV2]] for two series in 2012.<ref name="thegossiphosts">http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a385153/nadine-coyle-to-present-take-me-out-spinoff.html</ref> 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&nbsp;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]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Published Tuesday, 13 Dec 2011, 09:05 GMT |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a355713/only-way-is-essex-kirk-norcross-i-never-liked-mark-wright.html |title='Only Way Is Essex' Kirk Norcross: 'I never liked Mark Wright' - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV |publisher=Digital Spy |date=13 December 2011 |accessdate=2012-01-22}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|author=Published Monday, 9 Jan 2012, 20:50 GMT |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a359202/maria-fowler-harry-derbidge-leave-the-only-way-is-essex.html |title=Maria Fowler, Harry Derbidge leave 'The Only Way Is Essex' - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV |publisher=Digital Spy |date=9 January 2012 |accessdate=2012-01-22}}</ref> Fowler thanked her fans for their support, and revealed that she had agreed to leave the show following a meeting with producers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Maria leaves TOWIE|url=https://twitter.com/mariafowler/status/156436578657501184|date=2012-01-09}}</ref>
Meanwhile, Derbidge wrote that he was "moving on to different things."<ref>{{cite web|title=Harry leaves TOWIE|url=https://twitter.com/mrharryderbidge/status/156468703758790657|date=2012-01-09}}</ref> Harry had been previously rumoured to leave in September 2011 due to lack of air time and wanting to branch out on his own.

On 22 August 2012, a few hours before the airing of the finale episode in series&nbsp;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.<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a400968/towie-lauren-goodger-to-leave-for-dancing-on-ice.html</ref>

===Cast returns===
On 30 September 2012, Kirk Norcross returned to the show in the first episode of series 7. Norcross had a stint on ''[[Celebrity Big Brother 9]]'' earlier in the year.

===Cast table===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%; line-height:15px;"
|-
! style="width: 7%;" |
! style="width: 7%;" | Series 1 (2010)
! style="width: 7%;" | Series 2 (2011)
! style="width: 7%;" | Series 3 (2011)
! style="width: 7%;" | Series 4 (2012)
! style="width: 7%;" | Series 5 (2012)
! style="width: 7%;" | Series 6 (2012)
! style="width: 7%;" | Series 7 (2012)
|-
! style="background:#000;" colspan="8"|
|-
! James "Arg" Argent
| colspan="7" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-'''
|-
! Amy Childs
| colspan="2" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-2011''' || colspan="5" style="background:#FF8072;" |
|-
! Harry Derbidge
| colspan="3" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-2011''' || colspan="4" style="background:#FF8072;" |
|-
! Sam Faiers
| colspan="7" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-'''
|-
! Lauren Goodger
| colspan="6" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-2012''' || colspan="1" style="background:#FF8072;" |
|-
! Candy Jacobs
| colspan="1" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010''' || colspan="6" style="background:#FF8072" |
|-
! Kirk Norcross
| colspan="3" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-2011''' ||colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''' ''' ||colspan="1" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! Michael Woods
| colspan="1" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010''' || colspan="6" style="background:#FF8072" |
|-
! Jess Wright
| colspan="7" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-'''
|-
! Mark Wright
| colspan="3" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-2011''' || colspan="4" style="background:#FF8072;" |
|-
! Patricia 'Nanny Pat' Brooker
| colspan="7" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-'''
|-
! Maria Fowler
| colspan="3" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-2011''' || colspan="4" style="background:#FF8072" |
|-
! Lucy Mecklenburgh
| colspan="7" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-'''
|-
! Lydia Bright
| colspan="7" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-'''
|-
! Lauren Pope
| colspan="7" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2010-'''
|-
! Billie Faiers
| style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="6" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Gemma Collins
| style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="6" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Joey Essex
| style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="6" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Mick Norcross
| style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="6" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Chloe Sims
| style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="6" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Carol Wright
| style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="6" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Debbie Douglas
| style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="6" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Nicola Goodger
| style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="2" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011''' || colspan="4" style="background:#FF8072" |
|-
! Frankie Essex
| colspan="2" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="5" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Mario Falcone
| colspan="2" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="5" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Dino Georgiades
| colspan="2" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="2" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-2012''' || colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072" |
|-
! Georgio Georgiades
| colspan="2" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="2" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-2012''' || colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072" |
|-
! Cara Kilbey
| colspan="2" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="5" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Billi Mucklow
| colspan="2" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="5" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-'''
|-
! Nanny Brighton
| colspan="2" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="2" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2011-2012''' || colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072" |
|-
! James 'Diags' Bennewith
| colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="4" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! Georgina Dorsett
| colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="2" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012''' || colspan="2" style="background:#FF8072" |
|-
! Chris Drake
| colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="4" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! Tom Kilbey
| colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="4" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012'''
|-
! Ricky Rayment
| colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="4" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! Bobby Cole-Norris
| colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="4" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! Charlie King
| colspan="3" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="4" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! Joan Collins
| colspan="4" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="3" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! Tom Pearce
| colspan="4" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="3" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! Danni Park-Dempsey
| colspan="4" style="background:#FF8072;" | ''Not in show'' || colspan="3" style="background:#FBF373;" | '''2012-'''
|-
! style="background:#000;" colspan="8"|
|}

==Reception==

===Viewership===
These viewing figures are taken from ''[[BARB]]''.<ref name = "BARB">{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/report/weekly-top-programmes?|title=''Barb'' Broadcasters Audience Research Board|accessdate=1 Feb 2012|date=1 Feb 2012|publisher=BARB}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! <small>Series</small>!! <small>Series Premiere Viewers (Millions)</small> !! <small>Series Finale Viewers (Millions)</small>!! <small>Series Average Viewers (Millions)</small>
|-
|[[The Only Way Is Essex (series 1)|Series 1]]||1.144||0.975||'''0.930'''
|-
|[[The Only Way Is Essex (series 2)|Series 2]]||1.547||1.858||'''1.470'''
|-
|[[The Only Way Is Essex (series 3)|Series 3]]||2.102||2.210||'''1.720'''
|-
|[[The Only Way Is Essex (series 4)|Series 4]]||1.502||1.768||'''1.520'''
|-
|[[The Only Way Is Essex (series 5)|Series 5]]||1.658||1.506||'''1.580'''
|-
|[[The Only Way Is Essex (series 6)|Series 6]]||1.484||1.092||'''1.270'''
|-
|[[The Only Way Is Essex (series 7)|Series 7]]||1.397||1.457||'''1.460'''
|-
|}

==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 (TV series)|Jersey Shore]]''.<ref name="mirror1"/> Series&nbsp;2 began on 20 March 2011, once again airing every Wednesday and Sunday, but with longer episodes than Series&nbsp;1. Series&nbsp;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 (television personality)|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.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
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.<ref name="digitalspy.co.uk">{{cite web|author=Published Friday, 2 Dec 2011, 09:52 GMT |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a354032/only-way-is-essex-sam-faiers-kirk-norcross-harry-derbidge-axed.html |title='Only Way Is Essex' Sam Faiers, Kirk Norcross, Harry Derbidge axed? - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV |publisher=Digital Spy |date=2 December 2011 |accessdate=2012-01-22}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher Hooton|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/881582-towie-recommissioned-for-four-more-series|title=TOWIE 'recommissioned for four more series'|publisher=[[Metro (magazine)|Metro]]|date=13 November 2011}}</ref> On 11 January it was reported that 12 new characters would be joining the cast.<ref>{{cite web|author=Published Wednesday, 11 Jan 2012, 08:40 GMT |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a359470/the-only-way-is-essex-12-new-characters-cast.html |title='The Only Way Is Essex': 12 new characters cast? - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV |publisher=Digital Spy |date=11 January 2012 |accessdate=2012-01-22}}</ref>

==Controversy==
The show has been criticised for its negative and stereotypical representation of [[Essex]], and there have been a number of complaints to [[ITV2]].<ref name="Sam Faiers defends The Only Way Is Essex">{{cite news
| title = Sam Faiers defends The Only Way Is Essex
| url = http://www.musicrooms.net/tv/18151-sam-faiers-defends-the-only-way-is-essex.html
| publisher = Music Rooms
| date = 2010-10-19
| accessdate = 2011-04-08}}</ref> Some Essex residents felt it was not a true representation of the area and the people that live there.<ref name="Sam Faiers defends The Only Way Is Essex"/><ref name="The Only Way is Essex: the worst address in England?">{{cite news
| title = The Only Way is Essex: the worst address in England?
| url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8068349/The-Only-Way-is-Essex-the-worst-address-in-England.html
| work = The Telegraph
| date = 2010-10-17
| accessdate = 2011-04-08
| location=London
| first=William
| last=Langley}}</ref><ref name="TV's The Only Way Is Essex slammed as ‘offensive’">{{cite news
| title = TV's The Only Way Is Essex slammed as ‘offensive’
| url = http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/home/tv_s_the_only_way_is_essex_slammed_as_offensive_1_677073
| work = Ilford Recorder
| date = 2010-10-11
| accessdate = 2011-04-05}}</ref><ref name="ESSEX: ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex could set us back 20 years">{{cite news
| title = ESSEX: ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex could set us back 20 years
| url = http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/news/set-20-years/article-2754688-detail/article.html
| publisher = ''This Is Total Essex''
| date = 2010-10-14
| accessdate = 2011-04-05}}</ref><ref name="The Only Way Is Essex was insultingly bad">{{cite news
| title = The Only Way Is Essex was insultingly bad
| url = http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/844643-the-only-way-is-essex-was-insultingly-bad
| publisher = Metro
| date = 2010-10-20
| accessdate = 2011-04-08}}</ref><ref name="The Only Way is Essex...?">{{cite news
| title = The Only Way is Essex...?
| url = http://alexandrascomplaintsoftheday.blogspot.com/
| publisher = Alexandra's Complaints of the Day
| date = 2010-10-12
| accessdate = 2011-04-08}}</ref> 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".<ref name="Only Way is Essex stars: We really do represent our area">{{cite news
| title = Only Way is Essex stars: We really do represent our area
| url = http://www.london24.com/news/only_way_is_essex_stars_we_really_do_represent_our_area_1_847911
| work = London 24
| date = 2011-03-11
| accessdate = 2011-04-08}}</ref>

In April 2011, it was reported that ''[[Big Brother 2007 (UK)|Big Brother 2007]]'' winner [[Brian Belo]] plans on suing the makers of ''The Only Way Is Essex'' – claiming they "stole his idea".<ref name="Brian Belo: Essex was my idea, I’m suing ">{{cite news
| title = Brian Belo: Essex was my idea, I’m suing
| url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/3528570/BB-winner-Brian-Belo-is-suing-Only-Way-Is-Essex-makers-saying-they-stole-his-idea.html
| work = The Sun
| date = 2011-04-15
| accessdate = 2011-04-18
| location=London}}</ref> Belo was in the original pilot of the show – provisionally titled ''Totally Essex''<ref name="Brian Belo 'suing Only Way Is Essex makers'">{{cite news
| title = Brian Belo 'suing Only Way Is Essex makers'
| url = http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a314712/brian-belo-suing-only-way-is-essex-makers.html
| publisher = Digital Spy
| date = 2011-04-15
| accessdate = 2011-04-18}}</ref> – alongside current stars Mark Wright, Sam Faiers, Kirk Norcross and Amy Childs.<ref name="Brian Belo: Essex was my idea, I’m suing "/> Belo plans on suing his former manager and Lime Productions, which makes the show, for lost earnings of up to £100,000 a series.<ref name="Brian Belo: Essex was my idea, I’m suing "/> ''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.<ref name="Brian Belo: Essex was my idea, I’m suing "/> After not making the cast list, Belo believed he might be involved in producing the show, but was "cut" from the production entirely.<ref name="Brian Belo: Essex was my idea, I’m suing "/> [[File:Theonlywayisessex.jpg|thumb|Series 1 title card with the original cast members including [[Mark Wright (TV personality)|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.<ref>{{cite web|author=Published Monday, 24 Oct 2011, 08:22 BST |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a347121/only-way-is-essex-sam-faiers-sister-billie-attacked-by-girl-gang.html/ |title='Only Way Is Essex' Sam Faiers, sister Billie 'attacked by girl gang' - The Only Way Is Essex News - Showbiz |publisher=Digital Spy |date=24 October 2011 |accessdate=2012-01-22}}</ref> The aftermath of the attack was aired during an episode in series 3.

In May 2012 it was reported that original cast member Lauren Goodger had fallen out with the shows director for her bad timekeeping on set and her diva demands. Goodger appeared in the first four episodes of Series&nbsp;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 Lauren Goodger would be returning to the programme. Goodger returned in episode 9 and her absence from the show was not mentioned on screen.

==''Fresh Out of Essex''==
Fresh Out Of Essex is mini online 5-12 minute episodes that are uploaded onto the official website when the series is off air, two series have aired in 2012.

==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.<ref>{{cite web|author=Published Thursday, 10 Nov 2011, 10:24 GMT |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a350161/only-way-is-essex-stars-confirm-christmas-single.html/ |title='Only Way Is Essex' stars confirm Christmas single - The Only Way Is Essex News - Music |publisher=Digital Spy |date=10 November 2011 |accessdate=2012-01-22}}</ref>

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&nbsp;3 singing in the studio with clips of the Lauren, Mark and Lucy love triangle from series&nbsp;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===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Single
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" colspan="3"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
|-
! scope="col" style="width:4em;font-size:85%;"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br />
! scope="col" style="width:4em;font-size:85%;"|[[Irish Singles Chart|IRE]]<br />
! scope="col" style="width:4em;font-size:85%;"|[[MegaCharts|NLD]]<br />
|-
! scope="row"| "Reem"<br /><small>(featuring [[Joey Essex]])</small>
| rowspan="2"| 2011
| — || — || —
| rowspan="2"|''non-album singles''
|-
! scope="row"| "[[Last Christmas]]"<br /><small>(featuring cast of series 2-3)</small>
| 33 || — || —
|-
! scope="row"| "Dance All Night"<br /><small>(Jessica Wright)</small>
| rowspan="1"| 2012
| 36 || — || —
| TBA
|}

==DVD releases==
{| class="wikitable"
|- "
! Season||Date released||# of episodes||# of discs||Special features
|-
|The Complete First Series || style="text-align:center;"|28 March 2011 || 11|| 2 || 2010 Christmas Special
|-
| The Complete Second Series|| style="text-align:center;"|26 September 2011|| 14 || 2 ||
|-
|The Complete Third Series || style="text-align:center;"|20 January 2012 || 15 || 3|| 2011 Christmas special
|-
|The Complete Fourth Series || style="text-align:center;"|7 May 2012 || 10 || 2 ||
|-
|The Complete Fifth Series || style="text-align:center;"|1 October 2012|| 11|| 2 || The Only Way Is Marbs special
|-
|The Complete Sixth Series || style="text-align:center;"|8 October 2012|| 10 || 2 ||
|-
|The Complete Seventh Series || style="text-align:center;"|11 March 2013 || 13 || 3 || 2012 Festive specials
|}

==International broadcasting==
Series 1, 2 and 3 have been shown in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] on [[LifeStyle You]]. Series 1-3 are available in the United States on video-on-demand site [[Hulu]] on HuluPlus.
The show airs in Israel on [[yes Drama]].

==See also==
*''[[Made in Chelsea]]'' (2011–present)
*''[[Geordie Shore]]'' (2011–present)
*''[[The Hills]]''
*''[[It's All About Amy]]''

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*{{itv.com|id=essex|title=''The Only Way Is Essex''}}
* {{IMDb title|1737565|The Only Way Is Essex}}

{{Navbox
|name = The Only Way Is Essex
|titlestyle =
|title = ''The Only Way Is Essex''
|bodyclass = hlist
|groupstyle =
|above =
* Series:
* [[The Only Way Is Essex (series 1)|1]]
* [[The Only Way Is Essex (series 2)|2]]
* [[The Only Way Is Essex (series 3)|3]]
* [[The Only Way Is Essex (series 4)|4]]
* [[The Only Way Is Essex (series 5)|5]]
* [[The Only Way Is Essex (series 6)|6]]
| group1 = Cast
| list1 = {{Navbox musical artist|border=child
|group1 = Current
|list1 =
* Sam Faiers
* Jessica Wright
* James "Arg" Argent
* Lydia Rose Bright
* Joey Essex
* Chloe Sims
* Gemma Collins
* Lucy Mecklenburgh
* Mario Falcone
* Lauren Pope
* Kara Kilbey
* Billi Mucklow
* Ricky Rayment
|group2 = Former
|list2 =
* Michael Woods <small>(Series 1)</small>
* Candy Jacobs <small>(Series 1)</small>
* [[Amy Childs]] <small>(Series 1-2)</small>
* [[Mark Wright (TV personality)|Mark Wright]] <small>(Series 1-3)</small>
* [[Kirk Norcross]] <small>(Series 1-4)</small>
* Harry Derbidge <small>(Series 1-4)</small>
* Lauren Goodger <small>(Series 1-6)</small>
}}

|group3 = Associated programs
|list3 =
* ''[[Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County]]''
* ''[[The Hills]]''
* ''[[Living on the Edge (TV series)|Living on the Edge]]''
* ''[[Made in Chelsea]]''
* ''[[It's All About Amy]]''
* ''[[Geordie Shore]]''

}}<noinclude>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Only Way Is Essex}}
[[Category:2010s British television series]]
[[Category:2010 British television programme debuts]]
[[Category:British reality television series]]
[[Category:Culture in Essex]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Essex]]
[[Category:English-language television series]]

[[cy:The Only Way Is Essex]]

Revision as of 14:23, 29 November 2012

The Only Way Is Essex
File:Towie opening title.png
Opening titles (series 4-present)
GenreShite
Created byRuth Wrigley
Tony Wood
StarringJames Argent
Sam Faiers
Kirk Norcross
Lydia Rose Bright
Jessica Wright
Lauren Pope
Joey Essex
Gemma Collins
Chloe Sims
Lucy Mecklenburgh
Mario Falcone
Narrated byDenise van Outen
Opening theme"The Only Way Is Up" by Yazz
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series7
No. of episodes83 (as of 3 December 2012) (list of episodes)
Production
Running time30–60 mins (series 1)
45–60 mins (series 2-present)
Production companyLime Pictures
Original release
NetworkITV2
ITV2 HD
Release10 October 2010 (2010-10-10) –
present
Related
It's All About Amy
Mark Wright's Hollywood Nights


The show is filmed just a few days in advance. It is narrated by Denise van Outen, who is from Basildon, Essex. Series 1 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.[1] 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 show 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.[2] The second Christmas Special of The Only Way Is Essex aired on 20 December 2011.

The cast for series 4 were 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 begun 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 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 first special will air on 2 December.

Series

Main article: List of The Only Way Is Essex episodes

Series 1 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. 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, 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 with the single peaking at #32 on the official UK charts.

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 by Digital Spy 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 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 6. Kirk Norcross returned in series 7 after departing from the show in series 3, making him the first ever cast member to return to the series. 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!"

Film

On 21 November 2011 it was reported that a movie adaptation of the series would be made however nothing at the time was confirmed nor denied. Rumours of a movie was fueled again in September 2012 when cast member Gemma Collins said in an interview that a movie of the series was in the works, in the interview Collins claimed that a movie "Was gonna happen", stating further "It'll be fab, everyone will love it, why not? We don't know where it will be filmed, we don't know when, but I mean we're just normal people with crazy lives." A few days later former TOWIE cast member Amy Childs said in her magazine collumn that she would return if a movie was made.[7]

Cast

Main

This is the main current cast for series 1-7.
Safari Wilson - Joey Essexs first official girlfriend is coming into the show the next series
Cast member Series(s) Notes
Main cast
Jessica Wright 1— The sister of former cast member Mark Wright, she runs her own lingerie shop called 'With Love Jessica' and has recently released her debut single "Dance All Night" (UK chart 36). The singer has appeared in the series since the pilot episode. Dating Ricky Rayment as of series 6 (26)
Sam Faiers 1— Co-owner of Minnie's Boutique with her sister Billie, former glamour model. Girlfriend of Joey Essex. (21)
Kirk Norcross 1—3, 7— Kirk appeared in the first three series dating Amy Childs and Lauren Pope and had a public rivalry with Mark Wright. Kirk returned in series 7, is one half of Jirk, a bromannce between himself and Joey Essex. (24)
Lydia Rose Bright 1— Co-owner of boutique Bella Sorella with her sister Georgia May Bright. Lydia was introduced mid-series 1 as the on/off girlfriend of James Argent, as of series 6 is dating Tom Kilbey. (21)
Lauren Pope 1— DJ,model and business woman, Lauren first appeared during series 1 after falling for Kirk Norcross, though he was dating Amy Childs at the time. Their relationship had ended by the start of series 3. Lauren also dated Tom Pearce as of series 5 and is best Friend of Chloe Sims. (30)
Lucy Mecklenburgh 1— Owner of fashion boutique Love Lucy, ex-girlfriend of Mark Wright and called off engagement to Mario, but is continuing to date him (21)
Joey Essex 2— Debuting in series 2, Joey is noted for using the word "reem", with it becoming his catchphrase in the show. He is the cousin of co-star Chloe Sims. Boyfriend of Sam Faiers. (22)
Chloe Sims 2— Cousin of Joey Essex and best friend to Lauren Pope, Sims is also a single mother to daughter Madison who appeared in series 4 of the show. (30)
Gemma Collins 2— Car sales assistant who constantly worries about her weight and relationships. She previously dated co-star Charlie King and in series 6 dated James 'Arg' Argent before ending the relationship at the beginning of the seventh series.
Mario Falcone 3—

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

Supporting

Cast member[8] Age Years credited Job/role Series(s)
Patricia "Nanny Pat" Brooker 72 2010– Jessica Wright's grandmother and Carol Wright's mother 1—present
Billie Faiers 22 2010– Sister of Sam Faiers 1—present
Carol Wright 51 2011– Mother of Jessica Wright 2—present
Mick Norcross 49 2011– Kirk's father, nightclub owner of "Sugar Hut" 2—present
Billi Mucklow 24 2011– Salon owner, best friend of Cara. Ex girlfriend of Tom Kilbey 3—present
Cara Kilbey 24 2011– Best friend of Billi Mucklow and sister of Tom Kilbey 3—present
Ricky Rayment[3] 20 2012– Financial manager and current boyfriend of Jessica Wright 4—present
James "Diags" Bennewith[3] 20 2012– Best friend of Joey Essex and Tom Pearce 4—present
Chris "Little Chris" Drake 25 2012– Best friend of Mario Falcone 4—present
Charlie King 26 2012– Ex-boyfriend of Gemma Collins and Danni Park Dempsey, best friend of Bobby-Cole Norris 4—present
Bobby-Cole Norris 24 2012– Hair stylist and best friend to Charlie King and Lydia Bright 4—present
Tom Pearce 22 2012– Flatmate of Joey Essex, dated both Lauren Pope and Lauren Goodger 5—present
Danni Park Dempsey 23 2012- Best Friend of Lydia Bright, dated Charlie King briefly 5—present

Former

Cast member[8] Age Years credited Job/role Series(s)
Lauren Goodger 25 2010–2012 Ex-fiance of cast member Mark Wright 1—6
Mark Wright 25 2010–2011, 2012 Nightclub promoter, ex-fiance of Lauren Goodger 1—3 (cameo appearance in series 6)
Harry Derbidge 18 2010–2011 Student and cousin of Amy Childs 1—3
Maria Fowler 25 2010–2011 Glamour model and former housemate of Lauren Pope 1—3
Amy Childs 22 2010–2011 Beautician, cousin of Harry Derbidge 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
Dino Georgiades 30 2011–2012 Male model and fitness trainer 3—4
Georgio Georgiades 30 2011–2012 Male model and fitness trainer 3—4
Georgina Dorsett 27 2012 Property developer 4—5
Tom Kilbey 21 2012 Brother of Cara Kilbey, boyfriend of Lydia Bright 4—7

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.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11] Fowler thanked her fans for their support, and revealed that she had agreed to leave the show following a meeting with producers.[12] Meanwhile, Derbidge wrote that he was "moving on to different things."[13] Harry had been previously rumoured to leave in September 2011 due to lack of air time and wanting to branch out on his own.

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.[14]

Cast returns

On 30 September 2012, Kirk Norcross returned to the show in the first episode of series 7. Norcross had a stint on Celebrity Big Brother 9 earlier in the year.

Cast table

Series 1 (2010) Series 2 (2011) Series 3 (2011) Series 4 (2012) Series 5 (2012) Series 6 (2012) Series 7 (2012)
James "Arg" Argent 2010-
Amy Childs 2010-2011
Harry Derbidge 2010-2011
Sam Faiers 2010-
Lauren Goodger 2010-2012
Candy Jacobs 2010
Kirk Norcross 2010-2011 2012-
Michael Woods 2010
Jess Wright 2010-
Mark Wright 2010-2011
Patricia 'Nanny Pat' Brooker 2010-
Maria Fowler 2010-2011
Lucy Mecklenburgh 2010-
Lydia Bright 2010-
Lauren Pope 2010-
Billie Faiers Not in show 2011-
Gemma Collins Not in show 2011-
Joey Essex Not in show 2011-
Mick Norcross Not in show 2011-
Chloe Sims Not in show 2011-
Carol Wright Not in show 2011-
Debbie Douglas Not in show 2011-
Nicola Goodger Not in show 2011
Frankie Essex Not in show 2011-
Mario Falcone Not in show 2011-
Dino Georgiades Not in show 2011-2012
Georgio Georgiades Not in show 2011-2012
Cara Kilbey Not in show 2011-
Billi Mucklow Not in show 2011-
Nanny Brighton Not in show 2011-2012
James 'Diags' Bennewith Not in show 2012-
Georgina Dorsett Not in show 2012
Chris Drake Not in show 2012-
Tom Kilbey Not in show 2012
Ricky Rayment Not in show 2012-
Bobby Cole-Norris Not in show 2012-
Charlie King Not in show 2012-
Joan Collins Not in show 2012-
Tom Pearce Not in show 2012-
Danni Park-Dempsey Not in show 2012-

Reception

Viewership

These viewing figures are taken from BARB.[15]

Series Series Premiere Viewers (Millions) Series Finale Viewers (Millions) Series Average Viewers (Millions)
Series 1 1.144 0.975 0.930
Series 2 1.547 1.858 1.470
Series 3 2.102 2.210 1.720
Series 4 1.502 1.768 1.520
Series 5 1.658 1.506 1.580
Series 6 1.484 1.092 1.270
Series 7 1.397 1.457 1.460

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.[1] 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.[2] 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.[16] 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.[17] On 11 January it was reported that 12 new characters would be joining the cast.[18]

Controversy

The show has been criticised for its negative and stereotypical representation of Essex, and there have been a number of complaints to ITV2.[19] Some Essex residents felt it was not a true representation of the area and the people that live there.[19][20][21][22][23][24] 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".[25]

In April 2011, it was reported that Big Brother 2007 winner Brian Belo plans on suing the makers of The Only Way Is Essex – claiming they "stole his idea".[26] Belo was in the original pilot of the show – provisionally titled Totally Essex[27] – alongside current stars Mark Wright, Sam Faiers, Kirk Norcross and Amy Childs.[26] Belo plans on suing his former manager and Lime Productions, which makes the show, for lost earnings of up to £100,000 a series.[26] 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.[26] After not making the cast list, Belo believed he might be involved in producing the show, but was "cut" from the production entirely.[26]

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.[28] The aftermath of the attack was aired during an episode in series 3.

In May 2012 it was reported that original cast member Lauren Goodger had fallen out with the shows 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 Lauren Goodger would be returning to the programme. Goodger returned in episode 9 and her absence from the show was not mentioned on screen.

Fresh Out of Essex

Fresh Out Of Essex is mini online 5-12 minute episodes that are uploaded onto the official website when the series is off air, two series have aired in 2012.

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.[29]

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 2-3) 		33 — —
"Dance All Night"
(Jessica Wright) 		2012 36 — — TBA

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 2
The Complete Third Series 20 January 2012 15 3 2011 Christmas special
The Complete Fourth Series 7 May 2012 10 2
The Complete Fifth Series 1 October 2012 11 2 The Only Way Is Marbs special
The Complete Sixth Series 8 October 2012 10 2
The Complete Seventh Series 11 March 2013 13 3 2012 Festive specials

International broadcasting

Series 1, 2 and 3 have been shown in Australia and New Zealand on LifeStyle You. Series 1-3 are available in the United States on video-on-demand site Hulu on HuluPlus. The show airs in Israel on yes Drama.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Polly Huddson (10 December 2010). "The Only Way Is Essex: Our guide to the jaw-dropping new TV show". The Daily Mirror.
  2. ^ a b "Watch the new TWATS trailer - The Only Way Is Essex". Itv.com. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  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. ^ http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/901493-the-only-way-is-marbs-pictures-see-towie-stars-show-off-bikini-bodies
  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. ^ Cite error: The named reference digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a406672/the-only-way-is-essex-movie-in-the-works-claims-gemma-collins.html was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ a b "The Only Way Is Essex – Birds and Blokes". ITV. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  9. ^ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a385153/nadine-coyle-to-present-take-me-out-spinoff.html
  10. ^ Published Tuesday, 13 Dec 2011, 09:05 GMT (13 December 2011). "'Only Way Is Essex' Kirk Norcross: 'I never liked Mark Wright' - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Published Monday, 9 Jan 2012, 20:50 GMT (9 January 2012). "Maria Fowler, Harry Derbidge leave 'The Only Way Is Essex' - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ "Maria leaves TOWIE". 9 January 2012.
  13. ^ "Harry leaves TOWIE". 9 January 2012.
  14. ^ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s143/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a400968/towie-lauren-goodger-to-leave-for-dancing-on-ice.html
  15. ^ "Barb Broadcasters Audience Research Board". BARB. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  16. ^ Published Friday, 2 Dec 2011, 09:52 GMT (2 December 2011). "'Only Way Is Essex' Sam Faiers, Kirk Norcross, Harry Derbidge axed? - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Christopher Hooton (13 November 2011). "TOWIE 'recommissioned for four more series'". Metro.
  18. ^ Published Wednesday, 11 Jan 2012, 08:40 GMT (11 January 2012). "'The Only Way Is Essex': 12 new characters cast? - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ a b "Sam Faiers defends The Only Way Is Essex". Music Rooms. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  20. ^ Langley, William (17 October 2010). "The Only Way is Essex: the worst address in England?". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  21. ^ "TV's The Only Way Is Essex slammed as 'offensive'". Ilford Recorder. 11 October 2010. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  22. ^ "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)
  23. ^ "The Only Way Is Essex was insultingly bad". Metro. 20 October 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  24. ^ "The Only Way is Essex...?". Alexandra's Complaints of the Day. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  25. ^ "Only Way is Essex stars: We really do represent our area". London 24. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  26. ^ a b c d e "Brian Belo: Essex was my idea, I'm suing". The Sun. London. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
  27. ^ "Brian Belo 'suing Only Way Is Essex makers'". Digital Spy. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
  28. ^ Published Monday, 24 Oct 2011, 08:22 BST (24 October 2011). "'Only Way Is Essex' Sam Faiers, sister Billie 'attacked by girl gang' - The Only Way Is Essex News - Showbiz". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ Published Thursday, 10 Nov 2011, 10:24 GMT (10 November 2011). "'Only Way Is Essex' stars confirm Christmas single - The Only Way Is Essex News - Music". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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