The new wave of hometown reality shows such as The Only Way is Essex, Geordie Shore and Wales-set The Valleys may have proved to be a hit with audiences, but local residents are not amused. Locals, according to the Star, looking to sell in areas where the shows are set – Brentwood in Essex, Newcastle and Cardiff – are having to drop the asking price because buyers don't like being associated with the reality shows. Spotting an obvious PR wheeze property firm Rightmove have labelled it the "TOWIE Effect".
