FROM blockbuster films to unknown TV series, Essex has been home to plenty of rolling cameras, and some could take you by surprise.

The Only Way is Essex, or TOWIE has it's commonly known, is synonymous with stars appearing in front of the camera.

But there's dozens of films or series that have also been filmed right here in Essex.

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We've compiled a list of just some of the most recent moments where crews were spotted on our doorstep.

  • First up is Jamie & Jimmy's Friday Night Feast - filmed on Southend Pier

The popular cooking show on our iconic pier has attracted plenty of celebrity guests, including Geordie duo Ant and Dec.

Jamie's cafe isn't actually open all year round, it's only open two weeks a year when they're filming.

Echo: Ant and Dec on the pierAnt and Dec on the pier

 

  • Crews were spotted filming new crime show Ragdoll on Canvey in July - which is set to air next month.

Cameras were spotted outside an address on Eastern Esplanade, with police and ambulance vehicles all involved.

  • While back in 2020, Vinnie Jones was snapped filming a newly released film in Southend.

The Rise of the Footsoldier was released in cinemas in September, with filming dotted around the town last year.

Locations included Lucy Road, and during the shoot Vinnie stayed at the Seven Hotel, in Clifton Terrace.

Echo: Vinnie Jones in Southend. Pic: Vinnie Jones on InstagramVinnie Jones in Southend. Pic: Vinnie Jones on Instagram

  • Back in April, Star Wars actors were spotted filming in Corringham.

Filming for the Disney+ series Andor, Tony Gilroy, who worked on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and actor Diego Luna, who played Cassian Andor in the film, were both working at the site.

Echo: some of the buildings and sets - pic by Star Wars Session and inset Diego Luna pic by Ian/PA and Writer - Tony Gilroy pic by Almanysome of the buildings and sets - pic by Star Wars Session and inset Diego Luna pic by Ian/PA and Writer - Tony Gilroy pic by Almany

  • BBC bosses produced real-crime documentary Murder 24/7, which followed three Essex murder probes.

The documentary covered the murder of Courtney Valentine Brown - which happened on Roots Hall Drive near Southend United's football stadium, the case of Robert Knight - who dropped his mother off of a balcony in Westcliff-on-Sea, and the murder of homeless man Carl Hopkins in Colchester.