We’re not going to lie, we were a little bit gutted when we heard the news that Harry Derbidge was not going to be on the new series of The Only Way Is Essex. We caught up with Harry last night at the launch of his new jewellery range to find out all about his future plans and to get all the gossip from everyone’s favourite Essex-based show.
Hi Harry! Firstly what’s next for you now that you’re leaving TOWIE?
I’ve got loads of exciting things coming up and I’m going to be doing loads of things and shows with Amy.
Did you ever feel a bit lost on TOWIE after Amy left the show?
I mean, that’s why my character went a bit, because once Amy left, he lost the whole ‘Harry and Amy connection’ and relationship, and I think that’s where my character went, and then because they didn’t see the fun side of me anymore, they tried to make me into a bad Harry, but I’m not a bad Harry - I’m a good Harry.
What did they try and make you do?
Literally it was just like, they wanted me to be put in bad situations and not be the fun Harry that I am. They wanted me to be a bit bitchy, but I’m not.
After Amy left the show you filmed a lot of scenes with Gemma, we wanted to ask you, did you forge a real friendship with her?
I knew Gemma before the show and I love to Gemma to pieces, but do you know what, no one will ever have the relationship of Harry and Amy. And I love Sam to pieces.
How do you think the show will do now that you’ve gone?
Well they’re definitely going to lose the whole, “Shut uuuup”, all the fun-ness to it. I don’t know, because they’re bringing in 12 new people and I just think it’s a bit weird.
We saw your relationship beginning with Kurt on the show, are you seeing anyone at the moment?
Umm… No I’m single at the moment, it didn’t work between us.
How far were your scenes real, particularly in the last series?
Well… I wanted to learn how to drive.
Ahh yes, because Gemma taught you didn’t she?
erm…
Well, for an episode?
Yeah, for an episode! Umm… What else. About Kurt, I did fancy him, but then I went off him.
We loved the scene with you and Gemma talking about his dirty dancing!
That’s one thing that put me off him, because he likes to do all the bump and grinding and I’m not into that, I’m a bit more glam.
Will you watch the new series of TOWIE when it returns at the end of the month?
I’ll try to… But I’ll be busy doing my own things!
What do you think about Amy’s new show?
I love it, I think it’s brilliant.
Are there any other reality shows that you’d like to be a part of?
Wait and see…!
If you had to be stuck in a lift with either Jedward, Kerry Katona or Maria Fowler who would you pick and why?
Maria Fowler.
Why Maria?
Because she’s my mate already, I talk to her all the time.
You and her had a bit of a spat in the last series, was that real?
It was a bit real, I mean everyone bullies Maria and there is no need to. And at the time I was one of those who thought I’d get involved and all that… But, she’s such a nice girl.
Which of the TOWIE boys do you think is the most attractive and why?
Definitely Mark Wright, even though he’s not in it any more. I think Mark Wright’s a sort.
A sort?
It’s like good looking in Essex. He’s a right sort.
Which of the TOWIE cast members has changed the most since the beginning?
No one. We’re all normal, we’re all normal people. We don’t think we’re celebrities, we’re just having a good time, having a laugh, do you know what I mean? It’s all fun.
What was it like working with Phil Mitchell (Eastenders’ Steve McFadden) in panto recently?
Phil Mitchell is one of the nicest blokes I’ve ever met in life. He’s so funny.
What do you think of the comparisons between TOWIE, Made In Chelsea, Geordie Shore and Desperate Scousewives?
I’ve got to be honest with you, I watch them all. And I think there’s no competition, they’re all just as good as each other.
What are your thoughts on Celebrity Big Brother?
Love it. I think Kirk’s doing really good in there.
Do you think he can win?
I think he can win. Why not?
Who do you think is going to be evicted out of Georgia and Michael on Wednesday?
Georgia definitely.
What’s the stupidest rumour you’ve heard about yourself?
That I’ve had botox! And that I’m dating different celebrities because I’m not.
What’s the one thing heat readers would be surprised to know about you?
I actually like to go and watch football. When I was younger I used to sleep through a football match but now I get right into it. And I support West Ham!
At the beginning of the last series it was really nice to see the bond between you and your brother on screen. How did you feel about having him on the show?
Do you know what, for me to have my brother, doing something that I do was amazing. It was a privilege for him to be on it as well, and I loved him being on it. We have such a good relationship.
Would you ever return to the Only Way Is Essex if they asked you?
It depends, I would always go back, but I’ve just been offered so many good things that I can’t really turn down.
Do you have any opinions on cosmetic surgery?
If you’re unhappy about any part of your body and you want to get it changed, don’t let no one stop you. I want to get a nose job next year. I’m not afraid to say it, I want to get one.
Would you ever consider any other surgery in the future?
Botox when I’m really old but that’s it. I’m happy being me. I’m me, you can’t change me.
Tell us a bit about your jewellery line.
I’ve always wanted to have my own jewellery range and I totally love Lemonade because it’s so sparkly. It’s great that both boys and girls can wear it – There is something for everyone and it’s affordable.
Time for a bit of a quick fire round! Cocktails or Champagne?
Champagne
Chinese takeaway or Indian takeaway?
Indian
X Factor or Strictly?
X Factor
Beach holiday or skiing holiday?
Beach
Little Mix because Jesy went to my school.
Looks or personality?
Looks, sorry it’s got to be said. I’m honest!
Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter
Chilled night in or a big night out?
Big night out.
The city or the countryside?
The city
Thanks so much for your time Harry!
Lovely to meet you.
Harry kisses heat on each cheek, as he explains, “I’m posh now”. We’ll miss Harry on our telly screens, but hopefully he won’t be away for too long. The Harry Derbidge by Lemonade collection is available from www.lovelemonade.com. Prices start from £9.95.