The Only Way Is Essex has certainly helped produce some stereotypes since it hit our screens in 2010, and we hold our hands up for believing it was all about the fake tans, hair extensions and vajazzles.
But the show's Tom Pearce has launched an attack on it's critics, after the press mauling his co-star Jessica Wright was given after mistakenly tweeting ‘rest in peace’ following the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il.
In an exclusive blog for us, Joey Essex's best mate fiercely defended the cast's intelligence, proclaiming: "We're not gormless Essex oinks!"
He explained: "The problem is, despite a stereotype fuelled by years of Essex Girl jokes, we’re not all uneducated idiots, no matter what the critics might think.
"People watch TOWIE to be entertained, not lectured; it’s not Newsnight or Panorama.
"You might not get many discussions about politics or what I think is wrong with the economy on the show. It doesn’t mean we’re not having them."
Tom (right) with Joey Essex and Sam Faiers
The star also opened up about his own background, which has so far been unexplored on the show.
"For what it’s worth, I’ve got a First in economics from Loughborough University and, believe it or not, Diags is a former law student. Ask around if you think that’s an easy course to get onto. Incidentally, Jessica has got a degree in business and marketing management and is very bright.
"Don’t expect me to sit back and take being branded a thickie simply because of where I’m from and how I speak," he added.
Speaking of his life post-TOWIE, Tom revealed he would like to use his degree and make a name for himself in the City.
"It’s still early days for me on TOWIE but I’m having the time of my life with a great bunch of people," he said.
"In the long-term I want to run my own businesses but I could easily see myself going back into the City again. I’ve always got my degree to fall back on. That’s given me a good foundation for the future."
> READ THE FULL BLOG BY TOM
> IN PICS: THE TOWIE SERIES WRAP PARTY