Former Towie star Kirk Norcross says he’s ‘happier unblocking drains’ after TV turned him into a ‘monster’
FORMER Towie star Kirk Norcross has revealed he's swapped his showbiz life for a job unblocking drains - and he couldn’t be happier.
The 31-year-old, who appeared in Celebrity Big Brother, told The Sun Online the “toxic” side of fame caused him to step away from the red carpet.
And despite Towie bosses currently trying to get him and some of the other big names from the original show back together for a spin-off series, he insists there is no chance of him returning.
Dad-of-two Kirk, who now runs KN Jet Services in Essex, said: “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.
“There is so much bulls*** 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.”
He is one of many celebrities who have taken ordinary jobs after being on TV, with EastEnders star Kate Jarvis revealed to be working in B&M Bargains last year.
Single Kirk, who famously dated Lauren Pope, says the worst part of life as a celebrity is the impact social media and trolls can have on you.
He explained: “I’ve come off Twitter entirely. It is just full of nastiness and people who want to have a pop at you.
"It’s particularly hard for those young people who go on reality TV shows and are on the way down in terms of their level of fame.
“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 - whose Facebook profile picture now says "Be Kind" - tells us he would like to use his experiences of fame to talk to schoolchildren about the dangers of online bullying via trolls.
The star tried to end his life two years ago by taking sleeping pills but he says he is glad to still be here - not least because of kids Harry, three, and his daughter Violett, four.
“I’ve had some dark, dark times,” Kirk said. “On one occasion I wanted to end it all. I took a load of sleeping pills and just wanted to drift away but it didn't work.
"I am so glad I didn’t. I am so happy I am alive because I have a chance now to be the person I want to be and, if I can, to make a bit of difference.
“It is really important that people can feel comfortable talking about their feelings and their mental health - especially men.
"I had a mate who took his life very recently and I was so shocked when I heard. I didn’t have a clue he was suffering.
"A lot of people are going through troubles you know nothing about so it is important to ask mates how they are doing all the time and to check in on someone who might be in a difficult place.”
Kirk was a household name after his three years on Towie and Ex On The Beach, dating stars including Amy Childs, Vicky Pattison and Lauren.
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The dad-of-two said: “Reality TV turned me into a monster but the bosses didn’t want to look after the monster they created."
Last year Kirk started labouring before laying phone cables for BT and now runs KN Jet Services in Essex.
He said: “I’m earning a living through hard work. I love getting my pay packet after finishing a job.
"For me there’s no better feeling in the world. Sometimes I see re-runs of TOWIE on the telly with me on it and I have to do a double-take.
"I think is that ‘really me?’ as my life is very different now. But I have no plans on going back to the way things were.”