James Lock calls on TOWIE to scrap 'therapy-style spin-off' show as he says 'that show caused me so many mental health issues'

James Lock has called on TOWIE bosses to scrap their 'therapy-style spin-off show', saying the programme caused his mental health issues. The reality star left the series in 2023 after 10 years on the show, during which time he said that he struggled with his emotional wellbeing. Now ITV is said to be working on a therapy-style spin-off show, in which former cast members returning to sit with therapists to discuss significant moments in their life. While the likes of Chloe Sims, Gemma Collins and James ‘Arg’ Argent have been tipped to appear, James has insisted he won't be taking part. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, James said: 'It's ironic that they're making a show about therapy when they caused me to have therapy.'That show caused me more mental health issues than anything else I've ever had in my life.' James Lock has called on TOWIE bosses to scrap their 'therapy-style spin-off show', saying the programme caused his mental health issues James left the series in 2023 after 10 years, during which time he said that he struggled with his emotional wellbeing (pictured with former cast members Dan Osborne, Jasmin Walia and Abi Clarke in 2013) James, 39, also ruled out a return to the original series, which has been running since 2010. 'I'll never go back,' he vowed. 'All due respect to TOWIE - fair play to the show going on for as long as it's gone - but I've outgrown it. 'I think I ruffled a few feathers when I left there anyway, but I've outgrown that, and it's gone in a very different direction.'The TOWIE today is not the TOWIE that I signed up for. The golden years are gone, you know every dog has his day... I feel like I came away from it at the right time.'A TOWIE spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'The welfare and wellbeing of our cast, both past and present, is of paramount importance. 'Robust duty of care and psychological support is in place throughout every stage of production, and we remain committed to ensuring all cast members feel supported on and off screen.'In August, reports emerged that TOWIE producers had pitched the therapy-style spin-off to top telly bosses at ITV, with them having approved of the format.A source told The Sun: 'TOWIE is known for documenting everything from births and breakups to deeply personal turning points. And now they want to place the show’s stars in a more introspective spotlight.'Each episode will pair a cast member with a therapist, inviting them to open up on camera about defining moments in their lives.'The source went on to suggest a number of hard-hitting subjects could be explored including Lauren Goodger discussing the heartbreaking loss of her baby daughter Lorena, and Harry Derbidge opening up about his eating disorder.It could even see former lovers Gemma and Arg come face-to-face to rake over their failed romance.The insider continued: 'It’s in the early stages at the moment but the show is coming together and ITV and the production company are really keen to push ahead. It feels fresh and new, and gives fans of Towie even more content from their favourite faces.'It is thought the new show will begin filming and air sometime next year. James, 39, is set to feature alongside independent film-maker Michael Head and Alan Ford (pictured) in the flick, which explores the idea of what two hitmen do on their day off James described his character as being like Jason Statham (pictured in Mutiny) but hopes he has the acting attributes of Gary Oldman or Ray WinstoneWhile James has ruled out a TOWIE return, it won't be long before fans see him on screens again, with the star landing a lead role in the upcoming British gangster movie, Killing Time. James is set to feature alongside independent film-maker Michael Head and thespians Simon Callow and Alan Ford in the flick, which is a modern twist on Harold Pinter's The Dumb Waiter, following two disillusioned hitmen confused by both the job they are on and the world around them.Speaking about his career pivot, James explained: 'I've been trying to break into the acting industry for a long time. 'But as much as TOWIE has been a fantastic platform, when you're trying to move in certain directions, like acting, it holds you back a little bit. 'People are a little bit reserved about taking you seriously. They seem to think you have no talent and you're not intelligent.'However, director and actor Michael has taken a chance on James, with his Guy Ritchie style film, with James explaining: 'This is very in depth acting. It's a very in depth script, it's very heavy dialogue.'I think it's really going to either expose me or champion me. So there's a lot of pressure on me with this, but I like to be thrown in the deep end.'Describing his role, he continued: 'It's like a Jason Statham character - with a bit more hair! But I [want] to get the acting attributes of someone like Gary Oldman or Ray Winstone.'I had a joke with Michael about me and him being the new [Martin] Scorsese and [Robert] De Niro, which he quite liked, of course.'But yeah, if we could reach those heights, that'd be unreal.'Discussing working alongside Snatch star Alan and Olivier Award winner Simon, James continued: 'I always find the more famous people are, the more humble they are.'When I turned up on set - I'm a very confident person - but I was a little bit scared to meet them. But they're so humble, and they make you feel very at ease very quickly. 'I was talking to Alan and I was telling him about my TOWIE background and he was laughing but he wasn't snobby.' James spoke to the Daily Mail while celebrating Day of the Dead with his flavoured sipping tequila Cerrar at Trejo's Tacos at Puttshack in Bank (pictured with Dan Edgar) James was joined by guests including Dan Edgar, TOWIE twins Joe and Jonnie Gurie, former footballer Jimmy Bullard (pictured) and Lord Edward DavenportAs well as working on his new film, James also manages online coaching and home fitness brand, Lockie Fitness. 'I'm really going to corner the fitness industry because it's not just like white labeling [rebranding another company's product] I'm very invested.'I'm very invested in mental health and physical health, and everything that I do is based around that.' Feeling positive about what the future brings, James concluded: '2027's going to be a very big year for both my businesses and acting!' James spoke to the Daily Mail while celebrating Day of the Dead with his flavoured sipping tequila Cerrar at Trejo's Tacos at Puttshack in Bank. Guests drank cocktails including the 'Lockdown' a spicy margarita made from flavoured mordilona (pineapple) Cerrar tequila and ate spicy shrimp tacos. James was joined by guests including Dan Edgar, TOWIE twins Joe and Jonnie Gurie, former footballer Jimmy Bullard and Lord Edward Davenport.