The Only Way Is Essex has been a fixture on British television screens for nearly fifteen years, and the beloved reality show shows no signs of slowing down. As the programme celebrates its milestone anniversary in 2025, TOWIE remains a cultural touchstone that has launched countless celebrity careers and redefined what scripted reality television can achieve in the modern entertainment landscape.
The Return to Roots
In a significant move that marks both nostalgia and strategic repositioning, TOWIE returned to its original home on ITV2 in August 2025 after ITVBe closed its doors in June. This homecoming represents the first time the show has aired on ITV2 since series twelve back in 2014, bringing the Essex drama back to where it all began. The thirty-fifth series kicked off on 17 August 2025, introducing a fresh schedule that sees episodes airing on Sunday and Monday evenings.
The production team pulled out all the stops for this landmark series, taking the cast to Portugal for the first time ever. This international excursion provided fresh scenery for the trademark TOWIE drama, offering viewers sun-soaked backdrops alongside the usual relationship turmoil and friendship fallouts that have kept audiences hooked since 2010.
Cast Changes and New Faces
Series thirty-five features a mix of beloved returning cast members and exciting newcomers. Long-time favourites like Amy Childs, Dan Edgar, Courtney Green, and Harry Derbidge are back, whilst the series also welcomes fresh personalities including Sophie Kasaei, Livvy Jay, and Matilda Draper. The show has successfully balanced maintaining its core appeal whilst injecting new energy through carefully selected additions to the ensemble.
Lauren Goodger, one of the original cast members from 2010, has also returned to the fold, bringing with her the nostalgia and authenticity that long-time viewers crave. However, the series has faced speculation about potential departures, with Ella Rae Wise cryptically posting about series thirty-five being her final outing. The reality star commented on social media with a farewell-tinged message, leading to widespread speculation that she may be heading to other reality ventures.
The Ratings Reality
Despite its enduring popularity and cultural significance, TOWIE has faced scrutiny regarding viewing figures in recent years. Reports emerged in late 2024 suggesting that live television viewership had dropped dramatically from peak numbers of 1.5 million viewers to just 48,000 watching the most recent season as it aired. Former cast member Bobby Norris publicly expressed concern about the show’s trajectory, stating it was “going so downhill” and questioning whether the format should continue.
However, ITV has been quick to counter these concerns with more nuanced data. The broadcaster emphasises that when live television and streaming figures are consolidated, TOWIE continues to attract over 400,000 viewers per episode. This distinction is crucial in understanding modern television consumption patterns, particularly as new episodes now premiere on ITVX before their linear transmission.
The shift towards streaming platforms has fundamentally changed how audiences engage with reality television. Younger viewers especially prefer to watch content on demand rather than at scheduled times, meaning traditional live viewing figures no longer tell the complete story. TOWIE remains a strong performer when all viewing methods are considered, demonstrating that the show continues to resonate with its target demographic.
Where Are They Now
The show has served as a launching pad for numerous household names who have gone on to achieve success beyond Brentwood. Mark Wright, who was embroiled in the infamous love triangle with Lauren Goodger and Lucy Mecklenburgh during the early series, has carved out a successful career as a television presenter and media personality. His journey from TOWIE heartthrob to mainstream entertainment figure exemplifies the opportunities the show has created for its cast.
Joey Essex, perhaps one of the most recognisable names to emerge from TOWIE, has remained firmly in the public eye. The 35-year-old recently made headlines with his foray into crossover boxing, expressing feeling “enthusiastic and eager” ahead of his debut match against Portuguese influencer Numeiro on 30 August 2025. Training with his uncle and professional coach Tony Sims, Joey has set his sights on high-profile opponents including Jake Paul, KSI, and Tommy Fury.
Joey told Sky Sports that he wants to fight “the biggest names in crossover boxing,” adding that matchups like “Joey Essex versus Jake Paul” or “Joey Essex versus Tommy Fury” would make commercial sense given his established fame. This ambition reflects how TOWIE stars have successfully leveraged their reality television fame into diverse career opportunities across sports, entertainment, and business.
Gemma Collins, affectionately known as the GC, has also built an empire beyond Essex. The larger-than-life personality has appeared on numerous reality programmes including Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice, whilst also developing her fashion and lifestyle brand. Recent social media posts show Gemma enjoying romantic holidays with fiancé Rami Hawash, having undergone a significant weight loss transformation.
The reality star made headlines in September 2024 when she appeared on the BBC genealogy programme Who Do You Think You Are, describing the experience as “bizarre” after discovering she may be related to Jack the Ripper. Gemma has also been vocal about financial planning, stating that sorting her pension is a “top priority” because she does not want to be “hustling forever”.
Legal Troubles and Controversies
Not all TOWIE alumni have enjoyed smooth sailing post-show. In May 2025, James Argent admitted to gender violence against his partner and received a six-month prison sentence from a Spanish court. The incident cast a shadow over the TOWIE brand and highlighted the real-world consequences that can affect reality television personalities.
Georgia Harrison, another former cast member, has become an advocate against image-based abuse and revenge pornography. In February 2025, Harrison fronted a new two-part series examining the issue of deepfakes and non-consensual intimate image sharing, sharing her own “struggle” with revenge porn. Her advocacy work represents a more serious dimension to the public platforms that TOWIE stars have developed.
Joey Essex faced his own legal concerns in January 2025 when a woman was arrested on suspicion of stalking the television personality. The woman was detained by police in Cheshire following allegations regarding the star, though details of the case remain limited.
The Sugar Hut Saga
Few locations have become as synonymous with TOWIE as the Sugar Hut nightclub in Brentwood. The venue, which opened in 2004 and was owned by late TOWIE star Mick Norcross, became iconic through its regular appearances on the show. The Grade II listed four-storey establishment with its charming courtyard attracted visitors from around the globe, including celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Teddy Sheringham, and Frank Lampard.
In November 2024, news broke that the Sugar Hut had been listed for sale at £3.85 million, marking what many consider “the end of an era”. Simon Ryan, who appeared in the inaugural season of TOWIE, described the venue as “almost a Mayfair club in Essex” and expressed hope that it would continue as a nightclub rather than being converted to residential flats.
However, the listing revealed that the 13,225 square feet space is being sold with vacant possession, allowing potential buyers to transform it for different uses. The property’s licensing remains in place, which could incentivise buyers interested in continuing its legacy as a hospitality venue. The potential closure reflects broader challenges facing the nightlife industry, with the Night Time Industries Association warning that high operational expenses and diminished disposable income threaten the survival of nightclubs across Britain.
Mick Norcross sold the Sugar Hut in 2019, two years before his tragic death at age 57 in 2021. By 2013, Mick had already expressed frustration about the club’s association with TOWIE, telling The Sun that the constant filming of rows did not show the upmarket venue in a good light. His concerns about the show potentially deterring customers highlighted the complex relationship between reality television exposure and business interests.
The Scripted Reality Debate
Since its inception, TOWIE has attracted criticism for its “scripted reality” format, which blurs the lines between authentic documentary and manufactured drama. The genre has faced accusations of lacking authenticity and even outright deception, with critics questioning whether the situations presented are genuine or carefully orchestrated by producers.
Essex residents have complained that the show perpetuates negative stereotypes about the county, contributing to the popularity of “Essex girl jokes” and presenting an inaccurate representation of the area and its people. Kirk Norcross defended the show against these criticisms, stating that because all cast members are genuinely from Essex, what viewers watch is authentically Essex culture. However, it later emerged that several cast members, including Norcross himself, were not actually from Essex at the time he made this statement.
The show has also faced legal challenges. In April 2011, Big Brother 8 winner Brian Belo threatened to sue the makers of TOWIE, claiming they “stole his idea”. Belo had appeared in the original pilot episode, provisionally titled Totally Essex, alongside current stars Mark Wright, Sam Faiers, Kirk Norcross, and Amy Childs. He planned to sue his former manager and production company Lime Pictures for lost earnings of up to £100,000 per series.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Despite controversies and criticisms, TOWIE has undeniably left an indelible mark on British popular culture. The show popularised phrases, fashion trends, and a particular aesthetic that became associated with Essex style. It paved the way for similar regional reality shows including Geordie Shore and Made in Chelsea, demonstrating the appetite for localised scripted reality programming.
The programme has also provided economic benefits to Brentwood and surrounding areas. Tourism increased as fans sought to visit locations featured on the show, with establishments like the Sugar Hut becoming pilgrimage sites for devotees. Local businesses capitalised on the TOWIE connection, and the show put Essex firmly on the map as a destination for entertainment and nightlife.
Public opinion polling data from YouGov reveals the show’s mixed reception. Whilst TOWIE enjoys 87 per cent fame recognition, its popularity stands at just 16 per cent, with 58 per cent of respondents expressing dislike for the programme. This polarisation reflects broader debates about reality television’s value and impact on society.
Looking Ahead
As TOWIE enters its fifteenth year, the show faces both challenges and opportunities. The move back to ITV2 represents a chance to reconnect with the channel where it first found success, potentially attracting both nostalgic older viewers and a new generation discovering the show for the first time.
ITV has demonstrated commitment to the format, announcing in January 2025 that both TOWIE and The Real Housewives franchise would celebrate significant milestones throughout the year. This investment suggests that despite ratings concerns and changing viewing habits, the broadcaster sees continued value in the reality television genre.
The evolution of streaming platforms presents both obstacles and possibilities. Whilst traditional live viewing figures may continue to decline, the ability to watch episodes on demand could actually expand the show’s reach and allow it to find audiences who might not tune in at scheduled times. Success will increasingly be measured not by live ratings alone but by total engagement across all platforms.
The show must also navigate changing audience expectations around authenticity and representation. Modern viewers are more media-savvy and cynical about manufactured reality television moments, demanding greater transparency about what is real and what is scripted. Finding the right balance between entertaining drama and genuine emotion will be crucial for maintaining relevance.
The Human Stories
Beyond the drama and glamour, TOWIE has also showcased more vulnerable and authentic moments. Joey Essex explored the impact of his mother’s tragic death during his childhood in a BBC Three documentary, revealing a more serious and reflective side to his public persona. These moments of genuine emotion remind viewers that behind the scripted reality format are real people with authentic experiences and feelings.
The show has tackled various social issues over its run, from relationship dynamics and mental health to body image and career aspirations. Whilst primarily entertainment-focused, these storylines have occasionally sparked important conversations and provided representation for young people navigating similar challenges.
Cast members have used their platforms to raise awareness about issues including domestic violence, image-based abuse, and financial literacy. Georgia Harrison’s advocacy work around revenge pornography and Gemma Collins’ discussions about pension planning demonstrate how reality television fame can be channelled into meaningful social impact.
The Production Machine
Behind the scenes, TOWIE represents a significant production operation. Made by Lime Pictures for ITV, the show employs numerous crew members including producers, camera operators, editors, and support staff. The production schedule is demanding, with filming taking place throughout the year to deliver multiple series annually.
The move to Portugal for series thirty-five required extensive logistical planning and coordination. Transporting cast and crew internationally, securing filming locations, and managing the complex schedules of multiple cast members represents a substantial undertaking. These production values contribute to the polished aesthetic that distinguishes TOWIE from lower-budget reality programming.
The show has evolved technically over its fifteen-year run, with improvements in camera quality, editing techniques, and production design. Early episodes had a rawer, more documentary-style feel, whilst recent series showcase more sophisticated cinematography and post-production work. This evolution reflects both technological advances and increased budgets as the show became established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TOWIE still being produced in 2025?
Yes, TOWIE is very much alive and continues production in 2025. The show recently moved back to ITV2 following the closure of ITVBe in June 2025, marking its return to the channel where it originally aired. Series thirty-five began airing on 17 August 2025, with episodes broadcast on Sunday and Monday evenings.
Why did TOWIE viewing figures decline?
Live television viewing figures for TOWIE dropped significantly, from approximately 1.5 million viewers at the show’s peak to around 48,000 watching recent episodes live. However, ITV counters that consolidated figures including streaming on ITVX show over 400,000 viewers per episode. The decline reflects changing viewing habits, with younger audiences preferring on-demand streaming over scheduled television.
What happened to the Sugar Hut nightclub?
The Sugar Hut, the iconic TOWIE nightclub in Brentwood owned by late star Mick Norcross, was listed for sale at £3.85 million in November 2024. The Grade II listed venue faces an uncertain future, with potential buyers able to transform the space for different uses. The sale marks what many consider “the end of an era” for the TOWIE landmark.
Which original TOWIE cast members are still involved?
Amy Childs and Lauren Goodger from the original cast returned for series thirty-five in 2025. However, many original stars including Mark Wright, Joey Essex, and Gemma Collins have moved on to other ventures. The show maintains continuity through a mix of long-serving cast members like Harry Derbidge and Dan Edgar alongside newer additions.
What is Joey Essex doing now?
Joey Essex made his professional boxing debut in August 2025 against Portuguese influencer Numeiro, following training with his uncle and coach Tony Sims. The 35-year-old has expressed ambitions to fight high-profile opponents including Jake Paul, KSI, and Tommy Fury. He continues to leverage his TOWIE fame across various entertainment and sports ventures.
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