Kirk Norcross is much happier "clearing drains" away from the spotlight.
The former ‘TOWIE’ star has opened up about his move away the world of reality TV, and he insisted he has no desire to return to his former career.
He told The Sun Online: "I realise working up a ladder clearing drains and jet-washing driveways isn’t as glamorous as being on the telly.
"But I wouldn’t swap things for the world. I am so glad. I am away from that life now. When I was on ‘TOWIE’ I was known everywhere I went.
"I used to buy Ferarris, expensive watches and designer jeans – now I’m happy with a £20 pair from Topman."
The 31-year-old star is glad to be away from a "toxic" environment, and he has a "bigger smile" on his face nowadays.
He explained: "There is so much bulls**t going on when you live your life in the public eye. It can be toxic and you get surrounded by people who are fake and just hangers-on.
"And it can be a very brutal environment. Now I get up, go to work, keep my head down and earn a living with a bigger smile on my face."
Kirk – who appeared on ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ from 2010 to 2013 – also hit out at the way social media can have an impact on people, and explained why he has ditched Twitter.
He added: "People on Twitter can be so cruel. They say stuff they’d never dream of saying to your face.
"Everyone says ‘don’t read what trolls write’ but that is easier said than done, and if you haven’t got a thick skin it can be very difficult to cope with.
"What has happened to Caroline Flack is obviously an absolutely tragedy, but if there is one good thing that has come out of all it is that hopefully people will be a bit kinder to one another on social media."
Kirk Norcross swaps reality TV for ‘clearing drains’
