FANS of The Only Way Is Essex have slammed the show as “fake” after stars were seen sitting in restaurants that are closed in real life. Non-essential businesses remain closed to the public due to the national lockdown, but the ITV reality series has continued to film in social venues. While a message from the […]
FANS of The Only Way Is Essex have slammed the show as “fake” after stars were seen sitting in restaurants that are closed in real life.
Non-essential businesses remain closed to the public due to the national lockdown, but the ITV reality series has continued to film in social venues.
While a message from the cast at the start of Sunday’s episode alterted fans they were sticking to film guidelines, viewers were left unimpressed.
The scenes in question saw several cast members enjoying drinks inside a club while Amy Childs, Bobby Norris and Harry Derbidge sat down for a meal at an Essex restaurant.
Ella Rae Wise and Pete Wicks caught up with a drink at a bar, while she later met with Kelsey in a café, with all the venues remaining closed until lockdown restrictions ease on April 12.
Airing their frustrations, viewers took to Twitter, with one angry woman writing: “This episode is embarrassing. Really, really cringe.
“The fakeness knowing everyone else is in lockdown is just disgusting.”
Another chimed in: “Those venues must have been paid a decent amount of money for them to open just to film whilst we are all stuck at home.”
A third fumed: “Instead of enjoying TOWIE, I get jealous of all the filming locations and the fact it’ll be ages before I can do as they are. I’d have preffered a lockdown reflected series.”
“Pubs and gym are closed because of lockdown and yet they can open to film The Only Way Is Essex? What an absolute joke,” another wrote.
It comes after the ITV series was hit by a wave of Ofcom complaints as the stars were seen visiting pubs and restaurants in lockdown.
On Wednesday, 64 people contacted the broadcasting regulator to complain about the programme breaking government guidelines.
Viewers cited “filming in bars, restaurants and gyms during lockdown and food wastage” as the reason for lashing out.
Before each episode has aired, bosses have clarified that the show was filmed under strict Covid-18 protocols.
The disclaimer reads: “The show will still be bringing you the cast’s real lives and stories, but to keep everyone safe TOWIE have had to create its own little world to film in.
“So, although you may see cast in pubs and restaurants, don’t worry because they’ve opened just for the show and have put in lots of extra measures, so Lime Pictures and ITV can still bring you the TOWIE you love safely.”
