Despite a few b*tchy hiccups here and there over his two-year TOWIE journey, in real reality we should all be worshipping the ground TOWIE's Junaid Ahmed walks on right now, after all, he was one of the main reasons OG Lauren Goodger decided to return to the series that made her 12 years on. Junaid has confessed – as has Lauren for that matter – that he spent months persuading bestie Lauren to consider returning to the series, following in the footsteps of returning icons Amy Childs and Harry Derbidge.
And just like that, Lauren made her spectacular return to TOWIE in 2024, and frankly, we don't think this 'b*tch with a heart of gold' is getting enough credit for being the driving force here. So here goes – we thank you, Junaid. We thank you for using your powers for good and not evil.
Speaking of which, despite Junaid deciding to opt out of the drama of Bali, he still seems to be in utterly confusing hot water with his former bestie Harry and his boyfriend Joe Blackman (step aside chippy rows, it's all about furniture shop rows in 2024). Saying that, from the looks of the boys' socials, they're all bezzie mates again now.
Honestly, sometimes, we even struggle to keep up with this lot. That's why we write these cast 'explainers' to get it all down in one place – for both our benefit and yours.
Anyway, here's everything you need to know about our Junaid...
Who is Junaid Ahmed?
Junaid is a reality star currently starring on TOWIE as a series regular.
What does Junaid Ahmed do for a living?
In addition to starring on TOWIE, he runs his own social media management/content creation business called JJ Social. He is also launching his own skincare business called INA Skincare in May 2024 (one of the reasons he didn't join the gang in Bali, btw).
How old is Junaid Ahmed?
Junaid was born 18 December 1994, which makes him 29 years old.
Where does Junaid Ahmed live?
Essex, but he is originally from Peterborough.
When did Junaid Ahmed join TOWIE?
Junaid joined the cast of TOWIE in June 2022 when the cast flew out to the Dominican Republic to begin filming series 30. He later revealed that his friends Dani, Yazmin Oukhellou and Ella Rae Wise had no idea he was joining them and he surprised them at the airport.
What happened with Junaid Ahmed and Amber Turner?
Junaid and Amber Turner were friends long before Junaid joining TOWIE in 2022, but he publicly slammed the long-running cast member prior to his debut.
In a trailer for series 30, Junaid can be heard saying, “Recently she dropped me out and I think it’s fake,” and he revealed that he was referring to none other than Amber when we caught up with the cast ahead of the series premiere.
Chatting exclusively to Closer online, Junaid said, “[I was talking about] Amber Turner. The most boring girl I’ve ever met, the fakest girl I’ve ever met and I’m glad I’m not friends with her any more.”
He tried to make things right with Amber on the show in 2023, however Amber wasn't having any of it. The pair have not filmed together since.
Ouch.
What happened with Junaid Ahmed and Ella Rae Wise?
Ella fell out with both Junaid and his bestie Dani Imbert last year. It is believed this had something to do with Junaid and Dani growing close to Ella's nemesis, Chloe Brockett, while something was also going down between Junaid and Dani and Ella's mysterious boyfriend at the time.
That being said, Junaid, Dani and Ella look to be back on track in series 33 after an amicable exchange in Bali (with Junaid on FaceTime).
What happened with Junaid Ahmed and Harry Derbidge?
Junaid and Harry seem to be close again in the here and now, but since Harry's boyf Joe has been on the scene things have definitely been, erm, rickety between the besties.
Junaid and Harry have always had a 'Will they? Won't they?' element to their friendship, especially when Junaid confessed he had feelings for Harry but when Harry started dating Joe it all came crashing down.
Last season saw the two of them go at each other in the street and Harry was left raging when Junaid started making comments about Joe behind his back.
Was Junaid Ahmed on TV before TOWIE?
Junaid was arguably one of the standout characters from the already iconic series Lovestruck High in 2022, the Lindsay-Lohan-narrated Amazon Prime reality show which transported a group of UK singles looking for love into their very own High School. It’s fair to say that Junaid’s viper tongue and professional shade – not to mention Lindsay Lohan being effortlessly iconic – stole the show. No wonder he caught the eye of TOWIE producers.
Does Junaid Ahmed have Instagram?
Yep, you can follow Junaid on Insta at @junaidahmedx.