COMEDIAN and television presenter Graham Norton filmed scenes in Basildon for a new television show to rival The Only Way is Essex.

My Essex Girls is a part-drama and part-reality show which will follow the lives of millionaire Jimmy Jet, 63, from Laindon, his family and friends.

Mr Norton, 48, agreed to appear in the new programme because he is good friends with Mr Jet and used to be signed with his promotions agency, Jet Entertainment.

He was filmed being shown around Pitsea marshes, near Pitsea railway station, and Festival Leisure Park, off Cranes Farm Road, by Mr Jet.

Mr Norton will also be filmed, in around two weeks time, enjoying a curry with Jimmy and his daughter Katie Jackson, 28, at the Tandoori Parlour, in Hart Road, Thundersley.

The show’s producer Reece Jackson, 42, of Dry Street, Langdon Hills, said: “Graham was really nice. I’ve been involved in the media for years and he is one of the best.

“He didn’t get a lot of chance to look around Basildon this time, but he’s promised to stay longer and let me show him around on the day we do the filming at the curry house.”

Mr Norton will be one of the stars of a pilot episode and it is hoped a full series of the show will be aired on ITV2 next summer.

My Essex Girls’ creators have already secured £20,000 for the programme, which is being jointly-funded by Essex Media Workshop, Bardot Media and Canvey-based construction firm Paul Masters.

They hope it will be as successful as current smash hit television show, The Only Way is Essex.