Is the only way Essex?

When The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE as it is now so fondly referred to) screeched onto our television screens on 10th October 2010 it was an instant success.   What was on offer was a group of utterly pampered princes and princesses with a penchant for all things fake (boobs, nails, tans ...) and the party lifestyle.

From the first time I heard the theme tune, to my first view of Mark, Lauren, Amy and co. I was hooked: each episode was jam-packed with the escapades of a group of people who, in terms of their stereotype, were just as you would imagine.   Thankfully the 'characters' don't take themselves too seriously, which makes it all the more compelling to watch - the episode where Sam, Amy and Joey go 'glamping' was hilarious, with Joey strutting around in tighter than tight jeans and bright orange Uggs, trying to make a toilet in the ground using a stick.

Moreover, Amy is clearly a clever girl (head girl at her school, and runs her own, successful beauty salon), yet she is happy to appear as a ditz for the entertainment of the world at large, and yes, I do believe it is an act!

I like how the episodes are filmed only a few weeks in advance of airing, so the subjects are relevant to us, e.g. their Royal Wedding party, where Nanny Pat produced a very special royal sausage plat, was shown the day after we too, had celebrated the union of Kate 'n' Wills. 

Another thing that has been great to watch played out on screen are the complicated love lives of these people: Lauren taking Mark back (in spite of his painfully obvious lack of respect for her); Lydia and Arg and their never-ending 'should we, shouldn't we get back together' and the sweet-as-pie relationship between Joey Essex (his real name) and Sam Friars.   

So, my initial question was, 'is the only way Essex'?   No, clearly it isn't, but it certainly is a way, and an eye opening one at that, which I am grateful for.   The new series starts in September, and I cannot wait!