TOWIE has boosted the UK economy way more than you would expect
The reality show is helping the UK
Love it or hate it, it turns out The Only Way Is Essex has actually boosted the UK’s economy.
The reality show, which first hit our TV screens back in 2010, documents the lives of some of the glitz and glamour lifestyles in Essex and is now onto its 17th series.
Despite its controversy, new figures suggest the reality show has in fact boosted the economy by a whopping £1.4 billion.
Judging by that figure, it seems the love of TOWIE spans far further than just the TV show. Sales of false eyelashes have trebled since the show began as well as a high increase in false nail sales, not forgetting spray tans and the famous vajazzles.
The numbers were revealed in a recent documentary about the show called The Power of TOWIE which Essex boy and former star of the show, Mark Wright, presented.
It turns out it’s not just the UK the reality show has helped. The show’s spin off series, The Only Way Is Marbs, has also seen an increase in Brits choosing to go there on holiday. Same goes for Las Vegas and Ibiza where the cast regular film scenes.
Essex itself has also benefited from the show, the town has seen an increase in tourists since the show began to get a glimpse of the iconic TOWIE spots including Sugar Hut and Gemma Collins' boutique.
The show has come under fire from critics in recent years for being ‘fake’ and just last month producers were hit by claims again after an embarrassing on-screen mistake.
Viewers were left cringing when they noticed an extra in the show was holding a phone upside down with an ‘I heart Essex’ case on it.
TOWIE | © ITVBe
In the first episode of the series 17 viewers also slammed newcomer, Megan McKenna, for her ‘poor acting’ skills.
Whether it’s fake or not who knew the show would have such a huge boost on the economy!