TOWIE viewers slam show for filming club and restaurant scenes during lockdown

TOWIE viewers have hit out at the show for filming in clubs and restaurants during lockdown.

The ITVBe show aired scenes in pubs, restaurants and clubs during this week's episode, despite all venues being shut due to Covid restrictions.

A spokesperson for ITV said all the venues that the show filmed in had been opened especially for the series, and have special measures in place to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.

But the decision was slammed by viewers, who branded the scenes "distasteful" and a "kick in the teeth" for all the venue owners who lost their businesses during the pandemic.

TOWIE viewers slammed the show for filming scenes in pubs, restaurants and clubs during this week's episode, despite lockdown (ITV / Lime Pictures)

One tweeted: "Just seen on #Towie that they're all in the gym, snooker clubs, restaurants and clubs.

"I'm sorry but it's a massive kick in the teeth for all those who've had lost their businesses over the past year and everyone else who hasn't seen family members or friends.. What a joke."

Another posted: "Sorry @ITVBe but I think it's very distasteful airing a show where people are in restaurants, gyms and nightclubs when the U.K. is in lockdown and we can't even see family and friends.

Demi Sims filming in a club in last night's TOWIE (ITV / Lime Pictures)

Pete Wicks in TOWIE last night (ITV / Lime Pictures)

"How can you film like life is normal? Surely you could've waited!"

A third wrote: "@OnlyWayIsEssex my friend lives in Brentwood the only place they have been able to go to in months is @tesco nothing else is open not the pub not the gym not really fair you all partied tonight."

Another agreed: "TOWIE .. opening bars and restaurants for filming and they have extras in the background..

Viewers branded the scenes branded the scenes 'distasteful' and a 'kick in the teeth' (ITV / Lime Pictures)

"ABSOLUTE JOKE! We are in a pandemic and so what if you're tested etc..

"NOT ESSENTIAL !!"

An ITV spokesperson said: "Series 28 of The Only Way is Essex will be filmed by Lime Pictures following strict COVID-19 protocols, ensuring that cast and crew are safe throughout.

A spokesperson for ITV said all the venues that the show filmed in had been opened especially for the series (ITV / Lime Pictures)

"The show will still be bringing you the cast's real lives and stories, but to keep everyone safe TOWIE have had to create its own little world to film in.

"So, although you may see cast in pubs and restaurants, don't worry because they've opened just for the show and have put in lots of extra measures, so Lime Pictures and ITV can still bring you the TOWIE you love safely."

*TOWIE continues on Wednesday at 10pm on ITVBe