James Lock blames The Only Way Is Essex for his mental health issues
James Lock has blamed The Only Way is Essex for his mental health issues and insisted he will "never" go back to the show.
James Lock has blamed The Only Way is Essex for his mental health issues.
The 39-year-old reality star left the show in 2023 after 10 years and criticised reported plans for a new spin-off programme, which will see former cast members return to discuss significant moments from their lives with a team of therapists, because of the impact TOWIE has had on his own wellbeing.
He told the Daily Mail: "It's ironic that they're making a show about therapy when they caused me to have therapy.
"That show caused me more mental health issues than anything else I've ever had in my life."
James also insisted he would "never" return to the original programme and believes the show has "had its day" now.
He said: "I'll never go back. All due respect to TOWIE - fair play to the show going on for as long as it's gone - but I've outgrown it.
"I think I ruffled a few feathers when I left there anyway, but I've outgrown that, and it's gone in a very different direction.
"The TOWIE today is not the TOWIE that I signed up for. The golden years are gone, you know, every dog has his day... I feel like I came away from it at the right time."
A spokesperson for The Only Way is Essex insisted the welfare of cast members is of "paramount importance".
They said: "The welfare and wellbeing of our cast, both past and present, is of paramount importance.
"Robust duty of care and psychological support is in place throughout every stage of production, and we remain committed to ensuring all cast members feel supported on and off screen."
It was reported in August that the TOWIE spin-off will be filmed in Indonesia, and Chloe Sims was among those who had been in talks to take part.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Chloe was intrigued as it's different from the regular show, and more focused on mental health and wellness, which she is really into.
"It's not a done deal yet, but the format is a way for her to return to the franchise which made her a household name, without having to get involved in all the drama and rows."
Following her time on TOWIE, Chloe headed to Los Angeles alongside sisters Frankie, Demi and Charlie for their own spin-off, House of Sims, which came to an end after two short series.
Other names reportedly being courted for the new TOWIE spin-off, which would apparently involve the stars sitting down with therapists for what will effectively be public therapy sessions, include Gemma Collins and James 'Arg' Argent.
