SOUTH Essex is rapidly becoming the reality TV capital of Britain.

You can hardly turn on the television these days without coming across a local hopeful trying to win over the nation's hearts.

This year's favourite to win Big Brother, Brian Belo, 20, from Basildon, went to Bromfords School, in Wickford, with last year's Celebrity Big Brother winner Chantelle Houghton.

Lee Mead, 25, from Southend, won Any Dream Will Do, to secure the lead role in the latest West End production of Joseph.

Joanna Power, 23, from Billericay, and Danny Rhodes, 22, from Thorpe Bay, made the final stages of Grease is the Word.

So what is it that makes Essex girls and boys such a hit in reality world?

Big Brother star Brian's aunt Rhona, 42, from Pitsea, thinks the county's "chav" reputation works in local people's favour.

She said: "People call us chavs, but that doesn't matter. I think chavs have a lot of confidence in themselves and if you don't have confidence, you're not going to get anywhere. I wouldn't say everyone in Essex is more confident and I certainly couldn't put myself on telly 24 hours a day.

"But I suppose there is a part of most people in Essex that likes to be centre of attention."

Fathom McCormack, who runs outrageous fashion shop Brazen Hussy, in Leigh Broadway, has provided racy outfits for reality stars, including Brentwood glamour girl Jodie Marsh.

She thinks Essex's reputation for in-your-face glamour and outspoken behaviour helps Essex contestants. She said: "Lets face it, we're a colourful bunch. We are a bit more glamorous and dressier.

"It's even a bit dull and subdued in London, where as we are flashier and up for having a good time.

"They seem to want a real Essex girl or bloke in every reality show these days and it's a case of the more Essex the better'.

"We're bound to stand out from the thousands of other people who apply to go on."

Danny, from Grease is the Word, thinks Essex people thrive because of "guts".

He said: "Essex people are brave and aren't frightened to take risks. We definitely like the attention, too. I know I did."

Fellow Grease is the Word star Joanna thinks Essex contestants are driven to make more of themselves by the negative stereotypes.

She said: "You want to show there is a bit more to us then they think.

"There is this horrible view of Essex girls and I know when I was on the show, I wanted to show them I wasn't like that.

"I've always been quite ambitious and I'm even more so now."

Joanna is a big fan of Brian Belo, who she described as "very sweet".

Lee Mead's dad Steve, 47, has been amazed how many local people have starred in reality shows.

He said: "It does strike me as a bit strange. There must be something about Essex people that viewers like.

"I think Essex people are likeable and I like to think my Lee is a decent lad.

"People love to take the mickey, but we always seem to do really well when it comes to the public vote."