Once upon a time, many moons ago, I knew a boy from Essex. Despite never getting to visit his home county, I had an interest in getting to see where he was from. Part of my curiosity was filled by The Only Way Is Essex but the internet is about to fulfill the rest of your Essex cravings.
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TOWIE
Ok, we can’t mention Essex and not bring up TOWIE. This show has become a cornerstone of British telly entertainment as we what how a bunch of Essex singles live their lives. It is a bit insane to think that this show has been on the air for 10 years or 26 series! Even if you aren’t overly familiar with the show (or have never watched a single episode) you are bound to have heard something. If you have shot the phrase “well jel”, or “reem”, you are speaking the TOWIE lingo. The cast are regularly in the tabloids with their significant others. And, just for the record, I am in no way related to the boyfriend of Amber Turner, Dan Edgar. At least, as far as I know, I’m not related through my dad’s side of the family.
The bacon competition
This is brilliant in so many amazing ways! This is definitely something to what out for if you happen to be in Essex dating and looking for long-term love. First off, it’s not called the bacon competition, the official title is the Flitch Trials. Since 1104 there has been a competition between married couples to prove that they haven’t regretted the last year of marriage. The couple that wins gets a flitch of bacon (that’s a salted and cured side of pork to me and you). Not only is it one of the oldest running competitions in the UK, but it’s also a great way to remind yourself that you love your other half.
Seaside visits
I live close to a seaside town, and I know how hard it has been for them in the last few years. Nobody really likes staycations for some reason which is a shame for a million different reasons. But, one of the only places where the seaside tourist industry is growing is in Essex. Maybe it is the fact that Southend Pleasure Pier is the longest pier in world, or maybe people just want to get a bit closer to the TOWIE cast. Whatever the reason, Essex has a growing industry. This is great, and I’m really happy for them, but we can do this to every one of our seaside towns. So, show them some love and consider having a mini-break at the seaside with your favourite people.
Stereotypes aren’t that fun
I’m speaking from personal experience here when I say that people from Essex hate the stereotypes that they have been lumped with. I know a few people from the area and it bugs the life out of them when people start throwing around those assumptions. No, not all Essex girls are “like that”, a few are but not all of them. And there is a good chance that they don’t know anyone from TOWIE but they have probably met Lee Evans at some stage and think he is the nicest person on the planet. And the strip clubs are for tourists, most of the Essex lads are too busy romancing your bird to be there!