'' The Only Way Is Essex '' ( often abbreviated as '' TOWIE '' ) is a British reality television series based in Brentwood , England . It shows " real people in modified situations , saying unscripted lines but in a structured way . " The series is filmed just a few days in advance , and is narrated by Denise van Outen . Originally broadcast on ITV2 , the series was moved to ITVBe in October 2014 . The first series consisted of 10 episodes and ran for 30 minutes , with a Christmas special following later in the year . Due to popularity , the show was extended to 45-minute episodes and renewed for a year 's airing . On 22 May 2011 , the series won the Audience Award at the 2011 BAFTA Awards
2011 BAFTA Awards
British Academy Television Awards 2011
The Only Way Is Essex