'The Only Way is Essex' stars have 24-hour access to counsellors.

Courtney Green

Courtney Green

Courtney Green and Chloe Meadows have revealed they have both made use of the ITVBe reality show's psychologists to help them deal with any "tough" storylines they are filming.

Former PA Courtney, 23, said: "We get to talk to them every Friday if we want to.

"And if you need it more, you can have it. Last series I spoke to them every day basically."

Ex-secretary and part-time barmaid Chloe, 25, added to the Daily Star newspaper: "If you're involved in a tough storyline they'll make sure you're OK. In the past I've said: 'Oh, I'm fine', but they've still said they want me to speak to someone to make sure I'm coping.

"I've had the counsellor on FaceTime before. The producers basically want to make sure they look after us."

The psychologists have been particularly helpful when the girls have been at the receiving end of abuse from social media trolls.

Courtney said: "The psych will talk you through stuff.

"They remind you that the people commenting online don't know you, they only know what they see on the show."

'TOWIE' follows in the footsteps of 'Love Island' in recruiting psychologists to keep an eye on cast members.

Producers of the dating series took precautions following the tragic death of 2016 contestant Sophie Gradon, who sadly took her own life at the age of just 32 in June.

ITV said in a statement: "All islanders are offered psychological support before, during and after their time in the villa. We take our duty of care very seriously."

'The Only Way is Essex' is back on screens for another explosive series, airing on Sundays on ITVBe at 9pm.