Rarely are Mark Wright, Millie Mackintosh and co seen looking anything less than their best.
Which is why we’re SO grateful for these throwback snaps. Check out what your favourite telly stars looked like before the fame…
Sam Faiers and Lucy Mecklenbugh
Proving that the friendships, at least, on The Only Way Is Essex are genuine – here’s Sam and Lucy proving they go way back!
Chloe Sims and Joey Essex
It looks like Chloe's always been protective of her younger cousin, doesn't it?
Mark and Elliott Wright
It's obvious these Essex cousins have always loved the gym – but check out the mullets!
James Argent
Arg was exposed when his little sister Natasha appeared on ITV's Take Me Out... Loving the curtains, Arg!
Dan Osborne
Proving that there's hope for us all, Dan is almost unrecognisable as a weedy 17-year-old.
Millie Mackintosh
Yes, that is Chelsea girl Millie and her MIC co-star Caggie Dunlop! It looks like Pro Green's wife may have tried out for TOWIE before landing a part in the hit E4 show, doesn't it?
Billie Faiers and Ferne McCann
Another Essex friendship that goes way back, it looks like Billie and Ferne had the pout perfected in their teens!
Andy Jordan and Jamie Laing
Andy shared this snap of him and Jamie when they were 17 – they look so innocent, but we all know what they're really like...