The Shocking Truth Behind Essex’s Reality Star Feuds and Scandals

Checklist includes: A luxurious home with a pool, an extravagant sports vehicle, a striking resemblance to a turkey’s beak, and an abundant use of self-tanning lotion.

Greetings! You’ve arrived at Essex, a place where ambition thrives, as the struggle for wealth and recognition is the most intense across the realm.

In this bustling world, it seems that wealth and reputation hold significant value, and a notable figure who embodies this reality is Mark Wright, the television personality. Originally, he gained popularity on The Only Way is Essex, alongside his equally driven older sister Jessica. Interestingly, their mother Carol too has made her mark in the spotlight, joining them under the limelight.

In this article, The Mail uncovers the identities of the Wright family’s competitors, and it also sheds light on Essex’s wealthiest and most influential clan.

DANNY AND DANI DYER, 48 & 28

Fortune: £15million

Instagram followers: 5.2 million

Regrettably, it’s not the Wrights but the Dyers who lead the wealth rankings in Essex. While actor Danny, who is currently captivating audiences with his role in the hit film Marching Powder, boasts a net worth of £11million, his daughter Dani has amassed £4million, primarily due to her stint on Love Island.

Dani, the winner of the 2018 edition of ITV’s reality show alongside her boyfriend Jack Fincham at that time, currently has a wealthy footballer fiancé, Jarrod Bowen, who pulls in an impressive £125,000 weekly wage with West Ham.

Danny, aged 48, and Dani, 28 years old, boast a combined total of 5.2 million Instagram followers. Both possess lavish residences situated in the county of Essex.

Likely to Mark Wright’s disappointment, it’s Danny who has won everyone’s affection as the beloved Essex ‘lad’, having established his reputation through iconic films like The Football Factory, Human Traffic, and The Business. He later stepped into EastEnders in 2013, portraying Mick Carter, the landlord of Queen Vic.

Dani increased her savings through a three-part ITVBe reality show titled “Jack & Dani: Life After Love Island.” Even though she and Jack broke up, she’s made appearances as a guest reporter on BBC’s “The One Show” and negotiated endorsement deals and fashion lines with Matalan, In The Style, and Little Mistress.

In 2020 she launched a range of lip products for Vaseline.

MARK WRIGHT, 38

Fortune: £10million

Instagram followers: 2 million

Mark may find this point disagreeable, yet his tale is a classic example of rising from poverty to affluence. At the time when he entered “The Only Way Is Essex,” the Wright family was by no means wealthy; in fact, they were significantly less financially secure compared to James Argent’s family, who were also cast members on the show.

However, he quickly gained recognition following the debut episode of ITV’s reality series TOWIE in 2010. Despite being labeled as a womanizer during his relationship with Lauren Goodger, he has since become the highest-earning cast member on the show.

After wrapping up the third season of TOWIE in 2011, Mark decided to jet off to Australia the very next month to participate in the 11th installment of “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.” He managed to make it all the way to second place in this popular reality show.

In the year 2014, he secured a place on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing ahead of his older sister Jess, and that very year, he began working on the American entertainment news program Extra, based in Los Angeles.

When the show was canceled following three years, his TOWIE friends found it quite amusing. As one of his ex-colleagues put it, “There were a lot of laughs when he lost that job.” “I’m sure it really dented his self-confidence, haha,” they added.

Mark, aged 38, got the final chuckle as he began dating actress Michelle Keegan. Now, Michelle’s career achievements in Coronation Street, Our Girl, and Ten Pound Poms have surpassed those of her spouse significantly.

Currently, the pair reside in an opulent £3.5 million mansion located in Essex, with Mark being involved in real estate ventures. This past month, they joyfully welcomed their debut child, a beautiful girl named Palma, into their family.

JOEY ESSEX, 34

Net Worth: £8 million

Instagram followers: 2 million

In 2013 on I’m A Celebrity, Joey Essex admitted that he was quite simple-minded and couldn’t read a clock. However, by securing Katie Price’s ex-agent, ‘Dirty’ Dave Reed, he has accumulated an astonishing £8 million. Yet, Mark Wright still considers him as somewhat intellectually challenged.

When he was young, his mother Tina Sims tragically ended her own life. As a relative of popular TOWIE personality Chloe Sims and the nephew of renowned Essex boxing coach Tony Sims, he is often seen as one of Essex’s most charming scoundrels following his initial appearances on TOWIE.

After that, he had several appearances on shows such as I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Splash!, The Jump, Celebs Go Dating, Five Star Hotel, Celebrity MasterChef, and Dancing on Ice. Last year, he dared to appeal to a younger demographic by participating in the All Stars edition of Love Island.

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that my strategy paid off! I found myself cast on the captivating American reality series, Selling Sunset. In an engaging conversation on American television, I confidently expressed my belief in being ‘ideal husband material’ and hinted at some ‘remarkable undertakings’ set for 2025 in the United States.

‘Mark needs to watch out, Joey is coming for him,’ says my Essex snitch.

MRS HINCH, 35

Net worth: £7 million

Instagram followers: 4.8 million

In the year 2018, cleaning expert Sophie Hinchliffe, famously known as Mrs. Hinch, gained significant popularity through her Instagram account, Mrs. Hinch Home. Swiftly forming a close bond was another Essex-based influencer and television personality, Stacey Solomon, who is also a mom.

In the year 2022, motivated by Stacey’s relocation to the picturesque Essex countryside, she utilized her income to acquire Hinch Farm, a charming rural retreat for herself. The following year, her lucrative collaboration with Tesco on items like bedding and loungewear concluded. Last year, she strengthened her alliance with Joy of Clean, the parent company behind Bold, Lenor, Flash, and Fairy, by expanding their partnership.

Sophie, married to Jamie, is recognized as the top-earning influencer and “cleanfluencer” in the United Kingdom, having a family of three kids.

Despite her prominent position among the affluent and influential in Essex, she faces criticism. One critic questions her role, stating, “What will happen if everyone learns to do [her job] themselves?

STACEY SOLOMON, 35

Net worth: £6 million

Instagram: 6 million followers

Back in 2009, as I was following The X Factor closely, a member from Simon Cowell’s team personally shared some exciting news with me: “A remarkable 17-year-old single mom named Stacey is about to make her mark as a rising star.

Indeed, they were spot-on. At present, Stacey, aged 35, who once shopped for clothing at Dagenham market, has amassed a fortune worth £6 million. This significant wealth is attributed to her captivating the British public on I’m A Celeb and Loose Women.

In 2016, her celebrity status grew significantly due to her relationship with the well-known actor Joe Swash (born in 1979). Today, they share three children together, in addition to her two sons from past relationships and Joe’s son from a previous relationship.

Last year, her BBC program titled “Sort Your Life Out” received a National Television Award, making her the top-earning influencer (often referred to as a ‘mumfluencer’) on Instagram. She frequently shares glimpses into family life at their £1.5million residence, Pickle Cottage.

Last year, the family produced their new reality series titled “Stacey and Joe,” set to debut on BBC iPlayer starting April 1st. Currently, Stacey is associated with high-value brand endorsements for Abbott Lyon jewelry, George Home at Asda, and REHAB haircare. In the past, she has collaborated with Dunelm, Superdrug, and Freemans as well.

According to an Essex source, there are numerous individuals who find it hard not to dislike Stacey, but it proves challenging. Regarding Joe, they consider him somewhat foolish.

GEMMA COLLINS, 44

Net worth: £5 million

Instagram followers: 2.2 million

GC (Gemma’s nickname) gained immediate popularity among viewers due to her memorable catchphrases and spirited debates during her stint on the reality television series TOWIE, from 2011 until 2019.

She has earned the title of “Meme Queen” without argument after her memorable TV performances on Celebrity Big Brother. A popular clip featuring her jokingly telling fellow contestant, Darren Day, “I’m claustrophobic, Darren,” has been shared extensively online.

Afterward, she had a tumble during Dancing on Ice, which led to an early departure from the I’m A Celebrity Jungle on the third day, and also experienced a fall-through incident while presenting a gong at the Radio 1 Teen Awards.

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Subsequently, there was her fall during Dancing on Ice, causing her exit from the I’m A Celebrity Jungle on the third day, and later, an accidental stage collapse while hosting a gong presentation at the Radio 1 Teen Awards.

Though Gemma’s actions have often provided amusement, it is important to note that she has consistently demonstrated sharp business acumen. She is also the founder of her own fashion line, known as the Gemma Collins Collection.

Her home is a luxurious mansion worth around 1.3 million pounds, yet she frequently purchases properties, renovates them, and sells them at a profit to supplement her income – a practice often referred to as ‘flipping’. On one occasion, she earned an impressive £75,000 in a single day from sponsored Instagram posts.

A friend of Gemma’s remarks that she is incredibly kind and giving – truly a delightful person to know. However, they caution that provoking her may result in quite a challenging experience, as she becomes formidable when upset.

‘She hasn’t made this kind of money by being a snowflake.’

SAM FAIERS, 34

Net worth: £5 million

Instagram followers: 2.5 million

In contrast to the way many people describe Sam, I found myself quite fond of her when I first encountered her in 2010 during her rise to fame on TOWIE. The next year, she began a relationship with Joey Essex. That same year, she also secured a book deal to pen her memoirs.

She ran a shop named Minnie’s, which was located on Brentwood High Street alongside her older sister Billie. However, she decided to give up the business and participate in Celebrity Big Brother in the year 2014.

In the same year, she encountered her future spouse, Paul Knightley, after parting ways with Joey, and welcomed their son Paul in 2015. She chronicled her transition into parenthood by hosting her own television series titled “The Baby Diaries.

The show proved extremely popular, leading television executives to offer her a new spin-off series titled “The Mummy Diaries.” In the year 2017, she welcomed a baby girl named Rosie into the world.

After publishing a book about motherhood, she launched her own line of strollers, followed by a partnership with the children’s clothing department at River Island. Lately, she’s been endorsing her collagen brand.

BILLIE SHEPHERD, 35

Net worth: £4 million

Instagram followers: 2.6 million

Similar to her younger sibling Sam Faiers, Billie Shepherd, aged 35, gained popularity through the reality series TOWIE; however, she is comparatively less recognized.

Despite numerous challenges and personal milestones, I continued my journey on the show until 2016. During this period, I was blessed with an engagement to my long-term partner, Greg, and welcomed our beautiful daughter Nelly into the world in 2014. Simultaneously, I managed to balance my role as a director at Minnie’s Boutique, ensuring that all aspects of my life harmoniously coexisted.

In 2017, she welcomed her son Arthur into the world, and began appearing alongside Sam on the ITV show, “The Mummy Diaries.” However, Sam decided to leave in 2021, while Billie continued with the series until it concluded recently.

In the month of December 2022, we welcomed our third child, Margot. Previously, she graced the stage on “Dancing on Ice” in 2021, but unfortunately had to withdraw following an accident. To supplement her earnings, she has engaged in fashion and brand partnerships.

In the year 2012, Dave Chatwood, the stepfather of two sisters, was sentenced to spend four years in prison due to his involvement in a gold-bullion scheme worth approximately £1.1 million.

At Billie’s lavish 2019 wedding in the Maldives, which she marketed to OK! Magazine, there were additional incidents. Other vacationers expressed discontent over ‘film crews and rowdy groups creating chaos’, while stepdad Dave almost missed the flight due to being intoxicated and consequently being removed from it.

ZARA MCDERMOTT, 28

Net worth: £3million

Instagram followers: 2 million

In 2018, cheerful Zara from Essex, frequently referred to as “the most charming lady amidst an occasionally harsh environment,” decided to leave her position as a government policy consultant and join the Love Island villa instead.

Afterwards, she was the presenter for a number of BBC documentaries, such as “The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok” and “Ibiza: Island of Secrets”. Additionally, she was featured on Made in Chelsea, alongside her former boyfriend Sam Thompson, from 2019 to 2020.

2019 and 2023 found me utterly captivated, tuning in relentlessly to The X-Factor: Celebrity and Strictly Come Dancing. In the former, I cheered on my favorites, while in the latter, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy as I watched my dance partner, Graziano Di Prima, accidentally kick me! The adrenaline of those shows is still rushing through my veins!

Zara boasts a high level of popularity and sets the price for digital partnerships in the tens of thousands of pounds. Moreover, her association with ex-One Direction member Louis Tomlinson, whose net worth is approximately £30 million, significantly boosts her clout and impact.

PETE WICKS, 37

Net Worth: £3 million

Instagram followers: 1.9 million

Pete is grateful to the sharp-eyed agents at Mockingbird Talent Agency for his wealth, as when he joined TOWIE in 2015, he wasn’t particularly popular or successful.

Ever since that moment, I’ve been gracing the screens of numerous reality shows like it’s my job! From the wild adventures on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls to dating escapades in Celebs Go Dating (twice!), cooking challenges on Celebrity MasterChef, intense military workouts on Celebrity SAS, and even stripping down for The Real Full Monty – I’ve been all over the place!

But it was his appearance on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing that made him Essex hot property.

‘We didn’t see this coming,’ mused one former co-star.

More recently, reality TV personality Maura Higgins broke up with her girlfriend. Interestingly, she continues to maintain a close friendship with Sam Thompson, an ex-boyfriend of Zara McDermott. Notably, his autobiography titled “Never Enough” soared to the top of the Sunday Times bestseller list.

However, it’s not just money that Pete is passionate about. He’s also known for his work in “Pete Wicks: For Dog’s Sake,” a documentary series where he collaborates with the Dogs Trust to save, care for, and find loving homes for dogs in need.

LUCY MECKLENBURGH, 33

Net worth: £3 million

Instagram followers: 1.7 million

Initially appearing as a cast member on TOWIE, Lucy stayed with the show up until 2013, when she decided to leave in order to focus on becoming a fitness expert and social media influencer. This move led to several profitable partnerships, significantly increasing her income.

In the year 2017, she joined Celebrity Island along with Bear Grylls, there she encountered the ex-Coronation Street actor, Ryan Thomas. Together they have two kids and an extensive collection of properties, the refurbishments of which she often shares updates on Instagram.

A year ago, Ryan emerged victorious on Dancing on Ice, establishing them as a formidable pair in Essex. However, it was her father, Paul – a thriving real estate entrepreneur – who convinced her to purchase her first apartment at the age of 21. This decision, she believes, played a pivotal role in her journey towards success.

LAUREN GOODGER, 38

Net worth: £2 million

Instagram followers: 948,000

Among the original cast members of TOWIE, Lauren was one of the earliest to amass a million pounds primarily due to her prolonged, intermittent relationship spanning twelve years with the series’ charismatic playboy, Mark Wright.

Her significant business magazine contracts paved the way for appearances on Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice, and Celebs Go Dating. In 2021, she welcomed her first child, Larose, but sadly, her second child, Loren, passed away soon after birth.

Over time, it can be observed that her popularity has diminished – a scandal occurred last year involving her and several other influencers who were charged by the Financial Conduct Authority for endorsing an illegal investment opportunity. Following this incident, she reappeared on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE).

CHLOE SIMS, 43

Net worth: £1.5 million

Instagram followers: 1.2 million

Despite not being an original cast member, Chloe Sims holds the title for the longest running participant in TOWIE. As a mother to a 20-year-old daughter, she is related to Joey Essex by cousinhood. Her sisters, Frankie and Demi, were also featured on the show.

In the year 2022, the sisters decided to leave and pursue opportunities in Los Angeles, following a rumored £1 million contract they secured with OnlyFans TV for their reality series titled “House of Sims.

As a lifestyle expert, I must share an update on our beloved reality stars. While both Frankie and Demi have made their way back to The Only Way Is Essex, Chloe continues her journey overseas. Last year, she found herself in a four-month whirlwind romance with none other than Lionel Richie’s son, Miles.

Previously, there were business partnerships on Instagram, and more recently in this month, she started “The Honest Edit” series on YouTube, which includes insights into her personal life, travels, beauty, and skincare routines. Despite traveling elsewhere, she still frequently visits Essex and maintains a close bond with Gemma Collins.

JAMES ‘ARG’ ARGENT, 37

Net worth: £1 million

Instagram followers – 847,000

In 2018, James, who was a close friend to Mark Wright and had an up-and-down relationship with Gemma Collins, departed from TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex). Subsequently, he ventured into the realm of reality TV, making appearances on shows such as The Jump, Celebrity Coach Trip, and Celebs on the Farm.

Speaking openly about his struggles with alcohol and overeating, he primarily earns his income these days as a vocalist for ‘The Arg band’, performing at venues in Essex, London, and the Costa del Sol.

Over the last summer, he made their relationship official with ex-Miss Sweden, Nicoline Artursson. Frequently, this pair enjoys double dating with Mark Wright and his spouse, Michelle Keegan.

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