James Lock shot to fame on TOWIE and was a natural in front of the camera - but he reckons reality TV isn't the "doddle" people think it is.
The reality regular, 35, joined the Essex action in 2013 and was often surrounded by scene-stealing drama, but James thinks people have the wrong idea about reality shows.
Speaking to the Mirror he said: "We’re not given enough credit. It's not easy, there's a lot more involved in it than just turning up.
"They think it’s all a doddle. What I do with TOWIE is scripted reality.
"The people are real, the dialogue is real, but we're just put into situations."
James, who is currently in Ex on the Beach, now has his sights set on the big screen as he launches his acting career with gritty gangster film The London Game.
The action movie is set to follow the life of Tommy, a property developer whose last ever business deal fails to go to plan.
Described by James as a mix of Snatch and Lock Stock, the film will showcase the star in his "first major role".
Playing a baddie, James says his character will end up in a whole heap of double-crossing drama.
"It's all contracted," he confirmed.
"We're just waiting on some actors to free up their time before we confirm the line up - it will be in production very soon.
James has dabbled in acting in the past with a number of smaller roles.
He said: "I've had done independent films before, just for the experience of learning the lines and to see if actually like it."
Speaking about the crossover from reality TV, the star mused: "With acting you’re saying something which is nowhere near your reality on the outside world.
"You’re told what to do and how to portray it, but [both disciplines] are very hard.
"Acting isn't that dissimilar from reality TV, it's not that far behind."
James is also venturing out into the world of wellbeing.
Having recently revealed that he was teetotal, the social butterfly said his wild days are over as he focuses on his career.
Following along the lines of TOWIE co-star Mark Wright, who has developed a fitness app, James is launching a luxury gym and lifestyle brand.
Telling us it's going to "smash it", James explained: "I've basically taken all the best bits from the biggest luxury gym and lifestyle brands and put them together.
"I'm always in gym stuff and I'm buzzing to release it. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised.
"I've got very high hopes for the brand, which will be launching very soon."
While James is unable to reveal the name of the brand right now, he says a lot of exciting news is going to be announced in a "month or so" as he looks forward to his new reality.
