TOWIE TURNS 10: ALL BACK TO ESSEX
MAJOR MILESTONE CELEBRATED SUN 6 SEPT, 9PM, ITVBE
Believe it or not, it’s a massive ten years since hit reality show The Only Way Is Essex first hit our TV screens (shut up!) and, to mark the occasion, ITV is spoiling us with this one-off special – a (socially-distanced) trip down memory lane, where stars of the show past and present will gather (in small groups) to look back on their most fabulous moments. Denise Van Outen will be providing the commentary as per.
Tell us about the new series?
We all love comfort food! It’s warming, indulgent, satisfying – food for the soul! We decided it would be a lovely theme for this next series and book. And we test the recipes meticulously, so they are foolproof for everybody to make at home.
You’re in Paris for episode one; where else do you go?
As well as Paris, I visit the wonderfully green and lush Ireland – where comfort food is at its heart. I also head off down the iconic River Thames and go to Whitby in Yorkshire, where they certainly know how to do fish and chips! Finally, I head to the Scottish Highlands, which was truly magical. We live in a beautiful country and there are lots of different things to explore.
You got to be a cox with the Henley Rowing Club?
What an opportunity! Mind you, when they suggested it, I thought, ‘I’m not a very good swimmer!’ But I was well briefed, and I just had to shout instructions and encourage them to do their very utmost. I’m quite competitive. I was determined we would be the winning boat – which we were! What else did you get up to?
In the Scottish Highlands, you’ll see me riding with huskies through a beautiful woodland forest, which was pretty memorable! And a first for me was raising the iconic Tower Bridge on the Thames! I also got to celebrate Diwali, which was a great family occasion and very special. The food was superb, and they definitely dressed for the part – beautiful! That’s what
I love about this series – it’s so stimulating to do all these different things.
There’s no stopping you!
I’m game to do most things, as it’s exciting! Whether it’s chasing huskies in the Highlands or jumping in a sidecar on a motorbike in Ireland – it’s all fun! What were your most memorable moments?
The market in Cork, Ireland, was a highlight. It is absolutely massive – full of produce – but what’s so wonderful is that people have been there for yonks, and everyone behind the counters knows what they’re talking about. Yorkshire was tremendous, too. I visit a smokery where they make kippers. It’s literally a shed and it smelled wonderful in there!
What’s your ultimate comfort food dish?
For me, I love a good, slow roast of pork or lamb, with all the trimmings – that certainly makes me feel glowing! I love something you can put in one tray in the oven, and that I can prepare ahead, so that I can be with the family – and save on washing-up! With the current situation, we’re all in need of some comfort right now...
Yes, it’s getting into autumn… The days will start to get colder now, and this always spells the start of the comfort food season. It’s also reassuring, isn’t it? What we all need right now is a hug in a pan!
● The accompanying book,
Mary Berry Simple’s Comforts, will be published by BBC Books on 17 September.