Russell Tovey claims watching ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ is great "research".
The 33-year-old actor is "obsessed" with the reality show and thinks watching moments of "raw emotion" between the stars provide great material for his work.
He said: "I am obsessed with ‘TOWIE’. I love it.
"I think Dani Armstrong is a sweetheart who has had a bad time. There was a scene the other night where she was talking to Ferne [McCann] about losing her baby – that was a genuine moment caught on camera.
"That’s why I love the show so much.
"As an actor, in a weird way, it’s research. It’s raw emotion that can’t be faked.
"Those moments are superb, which is why I’m obsessed with it."
Despite his own fame, the ‘Looking’ star gets "star-struck" when he sees the ‘TOWIE’ cast.
He told heat magazine: "’Being Human’ was nominated for BAFTA the year ‘TOWIE’ won one so I was there that night.
"I remember when they won I stood up and cheered and I was the only one who did. Then they walked past me and ignored me and I was gutted.
"I get star-struck when I see them.
"I saw Harry Derbidge recently in a club and kissed him hello, then later he said on Twitter that he met me.
"And I met Lydia Bright once and she said she was following me on Twitter and it was like the best day of my life."
Russell Tovey: Watching TOWIE is great research
