The new series of TOWIE returns Sunday 26 March and the Essex babes have been enjoying aboujeé holiday in Bali because why not?
There is some serious drama set to unfold for series 33, and when we say drama we mean DRAMA. Dan Edgarand Ella Rae Wise are now apparently a thing, Harry Derbidge is the latest member of Girl Band and Junaid Ahmed is a no-show.
Another person who will not be featured in the Bali hols episodes and therefore won't be caught up in the chaos of Essex anytime soon is James 'Lockie' Lock.
Lockie hinted that his time on TOWIE was over during a chat with resident barber and Essex co-star, Jordan Brook where he admitted, "I felt like I was stagnating on TOWIE. There was nothing really on there for me – at this present time."
Although he hasn't stated that he has officially quit the series, Lockie was not part of the previous season and won't be joining them in Bali, either.
To be fair, the fitness bro has been hella busy; not only did he take party in The Challenge but he's also taking part in Ex on the Beach alongside former TOWIE star Chloe Brockett.
Who is James Lock?
James is a reality star, best known for appearing on TOWIE as well as dating shows Celebs Go Dating and Ex on the Beach and challenge show called The – erm – Challenge.
How old is James Lock?
He was born on 6 December 1986, meaning James is currently 38 years old and his star sign is a Sagittarius.
Where is James Lock from?
Essex, of course. Although, he was technically born in London.
When did James Lock join TOWIE?
Following the exit of Chloe Sims and her sisters Frankie and Demi, James Lock was one of the longest-serving TOWIE cast members. He joined the cast in 2013 when the eighth season premiered.
His notable storylines over the years include his relationships with Danielle Armstrong and Yazmin Oukhellou, a secret fling with Chloe Brockett, his bromance with close friend Pete Wicks, the opening of his now-closed restaurant Lockie's Kitchen and his blossoming career as an actor.
Why is James Locke not on TOWIE?
Lockie pulled out of filming in Cyprus for series 32 because he was off in America filming The Challenge USA. As explained before, Lockie also confessed that, "I'm at a crossroads where I either go and take risks now and make something of myself – if you like – or I can just stagnate."
James Lock on body dysmorphia
James recently opened up on an episode of Good Morning Britain about his struggles with body image and body dysmorphia.
“I can acknowledge that there is a problem but I still act a certain way," he revealed,"I know that sometimes I am being irrational. I can sit here now and I know I am a good looking guy and I'm in good shape but I will still find fault.
"It’s got worse since I have been in the industry but I started off with a hair transplant. I’ve had my ears done before. I’ve had my teeth done."
As he continued to open up about the 'procedures,' he has had done, James also touched on an accident he was involved in during his time on The Challenge and how that impacted his health both mentally and physically.
"Recently I’ve done another TV show and I injured myself a little bit and the injuries were bad but they probably weren't as bad as the problems I created in my head. So I’ve gone and had my eyes done, my nose done and then you just get carried away."
What happened with James Lock and Megan Barton-Hanson?
Like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, we love it when stars from rival reality shows spark a romance and James did just that when he hooked up with Love Island's Megan Barton-Hanson while filming Ex on the Beach. Although he fiercely denies they were ever official boyfriend and girlfriend, Lockie and Megan were pictured kissing on a night out when they returned to the UK.
Their romance fizzled out before the series began airing, with James exclusively telling Closer at the time, "We’re still very good friends. I have a lot of time for Megan. We never ever put a label on it and we still haven’t…” Although he told us he was "not looking to jump back into another long term relationship any time soon", he eventually rekindled things with Megan after gifting her a cake in the shape of her breasts. Who says romance is dead, eh?
They broke up once again in March 2022 following a hotel bust-up in which police were called when Lockie allegedly barged into Megan's hotel room after she was seen with another man. A couple of months later, their rollercoaster relationship took yet another turn when they were pictured holding hands on holiday together in Spain. However, it seems the pair have gone their separate ways again after they unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Who is James Lock's girlfriend?
It's thought James Lock is currently single, however he's had a number of high-profile relationships since rising to fame on TOWIE in 2013. His then-girlfriend Danielle Armstrong joined the cast shortly after they began dating and their on/off relationship featured heavily on the show until they split for good in 2016.
James began dating Yazmin Oukhellou a year later and she joined the show as a regular cast member. Much like his relationship with Danielle, Lockie's romance with Yaz was very turbulent and they split in 2019 when she accused him of cheating on her while they were on holiday together. They later got back together but split in 2021 following an argument during a trip to Dubai.
He went on to briefly date aesthetics practitioner Ellie Mackenzie and then was pictured snogging Love Island 2016 star Rachel Fenton before it came to light he'd had a secret fling with TOWIE co-star Chloe Brockett.
Is James Lock in a film?
TOWIE viewers will know that James has been taking acting lessons in an effort to crack Hollywood - and it seems to be working. He was given his first feature film role as Carlton Gunn in a movie called Cut.
The producer of the film exclusively told Closer online, "James was awesome, too; eager to learn, worked really hard and was very clear when he felt he needed to retake a shot which I was really impressed with his own honesty and self awareness.
"Lovely guy, made for movies. We were both really happy with James. He's a top bloke, very talented, hard working and surely will do well in his acting career."
He has more recently been working alongsideEastenders icon Jack Ryder who has been helping James out by coaching him and it's the crossover we never knew we needed.
Does James Lock have Instagram?
Indeed he does. You can keep up with Lockie on Instagram at @jameslock__.