A Buckhurst Hill man has joined the cast of The Only Way is Essex and vowed to “spice things up a bit”.

Lewis Bloor, 24, who grew up in Mansfield Hill in Chingford, made his debut appearance on the show in October.

He said: “I absolutely love being on the show, I knew most of the cast members before I got involved with TOWIE, so it’s actually made my job quite easy.

“There have been a few controversies with a two or three members but its all part of me being in the show, and you just have to get on with it.

“On Twitter, I have given a bit of stick from people sitting around not doing anything useful, but most of the time its banter and it comes with the job.”

Lewis grew up with his parents and two brothers, and went to Roding Valley High School in Loughton.

Prior to featuring on the reality show, Lewis worked in sales, but had connections to some of the cast members and once dated TOWIE star Sam Faiers.

“The producers were talking about me being on the show in series 1 and 2, but nothing transpired at the time,” he added.

“They have always been interested in having me on the show, but they waited until the show needed someone to spice things up a bit.”

Although Lewis moved to Buckhurst Hill a year ago, his family history is firmly routed in E4 and he insisted he will always be a Chingford boy.

“Chingford is my home, and I will always love Chingford. I still come down, visit my dad, and take the dog over Chingford plains for a walk,” he said.

“I also go the farmers market in Station Road once a month. My family has lived and worked in this area for decades.

“My nan Sylvia had a salon in Chingford Mount called ‘Sylvia Bloor’ and David Beckham’s mum used to work there.

“When he was a baby, she would bring him into the salon.”

Lewis considers himself to be the ‘slightly mature side of Essex’ but admits he is often judged.

He said: “I’m quite an outspoken kind of guy and I knew from being on TOWIE that my life and my past would be put out there.

“But even before I went on TV, people have always judged me and had an opinion of me before they met me - maybe because I'm known for getting the girls.

Lewis said this is the most exciting time of his life, adding he would like to be a TV presenter or go into acting.

Speaking about his fellow cast member and friend, Joey Essex, in ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’, he said: “Joey is a unique character; no one can take that away from him.

“I think he is being genuine and will do really well on the show.”

To 10th series of TOWIE concluded two weeks ago with a 80s style birthday party for Lewis.