A former star of The Only Way Is Essex has said reality TV turned him into a “monster” and he is now happy with his new life.

Kirk Norcross, who has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Ex On The Beach, said he considered suicide last year.

The 30-year-old, who was among the original cast members of ITV hit Towie, said he is now setting up a jet-washing company and working at laying cables.

He told The Sun on Sunday: “Reality TV turned me into a monster but the bosses didn’t want to look after the monster they ­created.

“I’d cry on set and say, ‘Please don’t make me do these things’, but I always had to.

“I’ve thought about killing myself so many times because of what those shows did to me.

“Last year I came seconds away but I thought of my son’s face. He saved my life.”

He added: “When I was on Towie I was known everywhere I went. I used to buy £70,000 Ferarris, £20,000 watches and £500 jeans – now I’m happy with a £20 pair from Topman.

“I am setting up a jet-washing ­company and working laying BT cables. I wear a hi-vis jacket and work down manholes that are full of rats and I don’t care. I’m skint but love my new life.”