The Only Way Is Essex first aired in 2010, and the reality series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, transforming a group of Essex locals into household names and redefining British reality TV. More than a decade later, some original stars have built multi-million-pound empires, others have stepped away from the spotlight, and a few have taken their lives in completely unexpected directions.
Mark Wright
Mark was seen as the ITV heartthrob and left at the end of series three to pursue other television opportunities, though he returned for brief cameos, with his last appearance in 2016. Now, Mark is married to former Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan, and the couple welcomed their first daughter, Palma, ten years after their 2015 wedding. He currently works as a DJ for Heart Radio and runs his own health and fitness company, Live Wright.
Jess Wright
Jess, Mark's sister, joined the series at the same time and left in 2016 after five years. She is now best known for co-hosting the Wright at Home podcast with her mum Carol and sister Natalyia, and has presented segments for BBC Morning Live and competed on Cooking with the Stars. Jess married businessman William Lee-Kemp in 2021, and they welcomed their son Presley in 2022.
Kirk Norcross
Kirk was on the series from 2010 to 2013, and his father Mick Norcross joined in 2011. After they both left, filming ceased in The Sugar Hut, as it was their family nightclub. Mick sadly died by suicide in 2021 at 57. Kirk has now left reality TV glamour behind to run County Clear Waste, a rubbish removal business in Norfolk and Suffolk, though he previously ran a jet-washing business in Essex.
Lucy Mecklenburgh
Lucy left after series ten, citing exhaustion from filming and her turbulent relationship with Mario Falcone. Since leaving, she has her own company, RWL, which promotes women's health and happiness. She is engaged to former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas, and the pair share two children.
James 'Arg' Argent
Arg became a household name on TOWIE, appearing with his then-girlfriend Lydia Bright, and later had an on-again-off-again relationship with Gemma Collins. He was temporarily suspended due to a failed drugs test but made a comeback before exiting in 2018. Currently, Arg is focusing on his singing career with The Arg Band, spending time living and performing in Spain. He also documented an impressive 13-stone weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery.
Chloe Sims
Chloe was one of the longest-serving cast members, but reportedly left in 2022 following off-camera disagreements with her sisters Frankie and Demi. After her exit, the sisters announced they would start their own show on OnlyFansTV called House of Sims, and Chloe has launched a YouTube series documenting her move to New York.
Lauren Goodger
Lauren was in a relationship with Mark before they split after 10 years together. She was on the show intermittently before making a comeback in 2024. Outside the show, Lauren welcomed her daughter Larose in 2021 with then partner Charles Drury. She sadly lost her second daughter after giving birth and has since split with Charles. Lauren earns income through her adult subscription content on OnlyFans and operates as an author and fashion entrepreneur.
Amy Childs
Amy was in the very first episode at just 19 years old. She recalled getting a call from her boss after the first episode aired: "When the first episode came on, she said to me, you're not coming back, because it was just everywhere. I had Simon Cowell message me saying he loved it, I had Paris Hilton message me... I think it was because it hadn't been done before, that's why it works so well." Now, Amy has a podcast with Denise and Harry Derbidge called You Alright, Hun? Her partner is Billy Delbosq, and the couple, who share twins, officially tied the knot at Marylebone Town Hall in London on April 11, 2026.
Sam Faiers
Sam left in 2014 during the finale of series eleven, wanting to focus on her recovery after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Now, she runs her global wellness brand Revive Collagen and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs through her Female Founder Course, alongside returning to television with her sister Billie on their ITVX reality series Sam & Billie: Sister Act. She has been in a long-term relationship with Paul Knightley since 2014, and they share three children: Paul, Rosie, and Edward.
Harry Derbidge
Harry was an original cast member at just 16 years old, often appearing with his cousin Amy Childs. He departed at the end of series three in 2011 but returned for series twelve in 2014, which focused on the breakdown of his relationship with Bobby Norris after he cheated. In 2020, it was announced Harry would return after six years, making his return in the twenty-sixth series alongside Childs, and he has appeared regularly since.
