Former TOWIE favourite to star in popular Channel 4 dating show following 'abusive' relationship history

A star from The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) is set to grace our screens on a popular Channel 4 dating show this month as a fresh season kicks off.

First Dates, which returned for its 24th series in July, sets up singletons on blind dates at a restaurant. Since its debut in 2013, the programme has been a hit with viewers who enjoy watching contestants being paired based on their personalities and preferences, all in the hope of igniting a romantic spark.

This month, former TOWIE star Leah Wright will be making an appearance. Leah first graced our screens in TOWIE back in 2011 and is related to Mark Wright and Elliott Wright.

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Leah will feature in episode nine of First Dates, which airs on August 28 at 10pm on Channel 4. A teaser reveals: "This time, a reality TV star seeks some old-school romance. Sparks fly as TOWIE's Leah Wright meets ex-bouncer Steve from Runcorn, but is distance a dealbreaker?", reports Essex Live.

"While one dater hopes for luxury gifts, a free spirit wrestles with commitment. And a nervous first-timer meets a confident dater and the two of them get caught up in silence."

However, aside from her reality TV appearances, Leah has been candid about her past "abusive" relationship. Having previously partnered with charity Refuge, she opened up about her journey, admitting she felt "so lonely."

Posting footage from her interview on Instagram, the celebrity discussed her personal journey through domestic abuse openly.

She revealed: "For many years I went through life not thinking about evidence, you know, not thinking about anything, not knowing laws, not knowing if I can get help from the government, not knowing that I would be okay.

"And I think that is a message that I just want to give, that you are going to be okay. I've gone through court, and I was believed in the end. It was big fight, it was a long fight, an emotional fight, and it took a lot of strength."

She continued: "'When you're manipulated that much that you are scared to leave, the first thing is you don't know where to go. Do I call a number? Am I going to get caught calling that number?

"There is help out there. Please don't feel alone, we always have so many resources. Refuge are a brilliant place to start if you need to call, and talking to that person who's so understanding, really helped me."

The TOWIE personality became part of the ITV reality programme in 2011 and capitalised on the Wright family's achievements. However, she departed after four years to explore different career paths.

First Dates is available to stream on Channel 4.