It’s somehow been two years since TOWIE’s Liam ‘Gatsby’ Blackwell quit Essex for a new life across the pond but, frankly, we still not over it.
Gatsby earned himself a special place in our hearts from the moment he rapped the words, “Helicopter ride on the first date, imagine what I’d do on your birthday,” while trying to woo Ferne McCann.
And that wasn’t the only time his love life took centre stage on the ITVBe show as Gatsby also enjoyed on-screen romances with Chloe Sims and Dani Imbert. However, it turns out there was another woman behind his departure from the show.
In a recent Instagram post, the reality star finally shared some insight into the real reason he quit TOWIE and moved to LA.
Revealing that the woman he moved for was him mum Nikki, who appeared on TOWIE herself and is BFF’s with Lydia Bright’s mum Debbie, Gatsby shared some pictures of himself and his mum at Lake Tahoe on Instagram.
He captioned the post, “Mumsie ❤️ one the main reasons I moved, everything else is just a bonus.”
Gatsby’s followers took to the comments section to compliment his snaps, with one writing, “Your mum is a beautiful soul, always loved it when she appeared on TOWIE, so glad you’re back with your mum.”
Another added, “Good to see you and your mum enjoying life you both deserve happiness,” while a third commented, “Stunning... the scenery and your mum ♥️.”
Since moving to LA, Gatsby has established a successful career in real estate and it looks like he’s giving the Selling Sunset cast a run for their money.
Last year, James ‘Diags’ Bennewith exclusively opened up to Closer about Gatsby’s success. He told us, “Gatsby’s doing well selling houses, I think he’s got his first $9million listing.
“I’m very proud of him out there, he’s doing what he wanted to do and living the LA dream.”
Gatsby had previously spoken out on social media after launching his own company, Gatsby Estates, telling his followers, “This is only the start with a long and difficult journey ahead but I’m gonna give it a right good go! If you don’t take risks and chances in life then what’s the point?”
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Nathan Katnoria is Closer's Senior Digital Writer and resident TOWIE expert. He's seen all 33 (thirty three!!) series of the ITVBe show and regularly reminisces about forgotten TOWIE romances from years gone by. Although he's never been to Brentwood, Nathan has interviewed loads of TOWIE faves past and present including Sam Faiers, Chloe Brockett, Diags and Georgia Kousoulou.