THIS week, an aspiring Basildon entrepreneur has appeared on the hit BBC show Dragons’ Den in the hope to wow tycoons and a special guest on his rare football memorabilia business.

Billy Childs, 27, of BC Boots, starred in the show on Thursday, which also features football pundit and former Manchester United star Gary Neville.

Since launching the business in 2021, he has built a huge social media presence where he showcases some of the rare products on offer, including match worn boots and shirts by footballing royalty.

Echo: Businessman - Billy ChildsBusinessman - Billy Childs (Image: BBC)

Over the past three years, he has racked up 158,000 Instagram followers.

He told the Dragons how he brings fans closer to the action of the sport by connecting them with the items.

Speaking to the Echo, he said he is “truly thankful” for the opportunity and helped him grow as a businessman.

However, he’s not the only south Essex resident who has appeared on TV screens recently.

Here are some other members of the community that have featured on shows within the last year:

Dana Conway, Great British Bake Off, Channel 4

Echo: Contestant - Dana ConwayContestant - Dana Conway (Image: PA)

Database administrator Dana, 25, was one of 12 bakers hoping to impress judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood in the tent.

Her appearance came as she spent four years trying to secure a place on the show.

When she got the call, she fell into a state of shock after having given up hope of making the cut.

However, she was the sixth baker to be eliminated after failing to wow Prue and Paul during botanical week, which saw the contestants tackle a spice-filled signature bake, a herby infused technical challenge and a floral dessert showstopper.

Speaking of her time on the show, Dana said it was “surreal”.

Colin Horton, Selling Super Houses, Channel 4

Echo: Star - Colin HortonStar - Colin Horton (Image: Colin Horton)

The co-founder of Project & Co, in Wickford, as well as Westcliff firms Leasehold Social and Hortons Valuers, took centre stage in Selling Super Houses.

The show, which was described as a mix of Selling Sunset and The Apprentice, saw him and other aspiring property agents go head-to-head in a series of tasks to ultimately bag the job of a lifetime – selling luxury properties for property magnate Paul Kemsley.

Speaking to the Echo about how he found the experience, he said: “It’s easily the best thing I’ve ever done.”