A long-standing relationship of 13 years with a show that portrays real life.

TOWIE has been my longest-standing adult relationship. For the past 13 years, I have watched the reality soap religiously, tuning in every Sunday night at 9pm with a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits.

The show has been a huge part of my life, in fact, it was one of the earliest shows I ever watched when I was entering adulthood. I was fascinated by the TOWIE gang’s stories, and I even got myself the DVD box sets. My friend was the first person to get an iPhone in our friendship group and she even downloaded the TOWIE app for £1.49, so we could listen to their catchphrases during lunch breaks.

I've had other reality TV flings, like Made In Chelsea and Geordie Shore, but TOWIE has consistently kept me hooked. I think that’s for a happy combination of reasons. There are some OG faces like Amy Childs, Harry Derbridge, and James ‘Diags’ Bennewith, and the setting of Brentwood High Street is still pretty similar to when it began over a decade ago. It’s also very relatable. Although the cast members have certainly done well for themselves, they still feel like ordinary people, who I understand. Plus, they’re trying to find the fun in an ordinary life, which makes me feel less bad for not having my life sorted out at all.

I’ve always appreciated that TOWIE devotes just as much airtime to platonic relationships as romantic ones. Seeing them navigate friendship can be just as complicated, rewarding, and entertaining as seeing them negotiate romantic relationships.

When I’m wanting a pick-me-up, I’ll seek out the clip of Cara Kilbey gifting Billi Mucklow a bracelet the night before they were taking part in the London Marathon, and when I’m wanting some drama I’ll watch Gemma Collins asking James Locke: ‘What’s up, you ill?’ I don’t think the position of TOWIE in my life can be underestimated.

I’ve come to understand that when I’m feeling anxious, I should have a TV show I can put on where I know exactly what is going to happen, and TOWIE is that show for me. I can switch off, and catch up with friends without the pressure of having to bring anything to the conversation.

So, this Sunday and every Sunday for the next six weeks, it’s going to be me, my sofa, and TOWIE for the 385th time. The TOWIE cast may not be changing the world with their spray tans, vajazzles, and ‘reem’ catchphrases, but they make my world a little bit better.

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