James Lock Ditches Reality TV for Gangster Film Role

James Lock, widely recognized for his role in the reality television series 'The Only Way Is Essex' (TOWIE), is transitioning to a film career. He has secured a lead part in the forthcoming British gangster film, 'Killing Time.' The 39-year-old actor will star alongside Michael Head, Simon Callow, and Alan Ford in the movie, which is a contemporary adaptation of Harold Pinter's play 'The Dumb Waiter.' The film centers on two disillusioned hitmen grappling with their assignments and the world around them.

Lock explained his decision to pursue acting, stating that while TOWIE provided a significant platform, the reality TV format could hinder his aspirations in the acting industry. He noted that people may be hesitant to take him seriously, perceiving a lack of talent or intelligence. "People are a little bit reserved about taking you seriously. They seem to think you have no talent and you're not intelligent," Lock told the Daily Mail.

Director and actor Michael Head has cast Lock in the Guy Ritchie-esque film. Lock described the role as requiring intensive acting, with complex dialogue. "This is very in-depth acting. It's a very in-depth script, it's very heavy dialogue," he said. "I think it's really going to either expose me or champion me. So there's a lot of pressure on me with this, but I like to be thrown in the deep end."

He characterized his character as being akin to Jason Statham but aims to achieve the acting depth of performers like Gary Oldman or Ray Winstone. Lock also humorously suggested a collaboration with Head akin to the Scorsese-De Niro partnership. "I had a joke with Michael about me and him being the new [Martin] Scorsese and [Robert] De Niro, which he quite liked, of course. But yeah, if we could reach those heights, that'd be unreal."

Lock shared his positive experience working with more established actors, finding Callow and Ford to be humble and welcoming. "I always find the more famous people are, the more humble they are," he stated. "When I turned up on set - I'm a very confident person - but I was a little bit scared to meet them. But they're so humble, and they make you feel very at ease very quickly."

After a decade on TOWIE, Lock departed the series in 2023 and has asserted he has no intention of returning. "I'll never go back," he vowed. "All due respect to TOWIE - fair play to the show going on for as long as it's gone - but I've outgrown it. I think I ruffled a few feathers when I left there anyway, but I've outgrown that, and it's gone in a very different direction. The TOWIE today is not the TOWIE that I signed up for. The golden years are gone, you know every dog has his day... I feel like I came away from it at the right time."

Lock's time on TOWIE included a close friendship with co-star Jake Hall, who died in May from head injuries sustained after running through a glass door in Majorca. Hall's death prompted Lock to reevaluate his life. "We all think we're invincible, especially at like at our age, and no one ever thinks they're going to die," Lock reflected. "So when something like that happens to someone that was very close to you, and someone so full of life, you never expect it. It is a shock. But the same way it really does make you appreciate life and take a step back and think we all need to be grateful for what we are and, and what we have. It's very sad and he will be missed. He was always a life and soul of the party and a very big character, and he was a great character on TOWIE too."

Lock is currently single, prioritizing his focus on his business ventures and acting career. He is involved in his online coaching and fitness brand, Lockie Fitness, and has launched a premium tequila brand called Cerra. "For me to fully focus, I need to be single," he explained. "I need no distractions to focus on myself at the minute and my businesses and the film."

Looking ahead, Lock anticipates a significant year in 2027 for both his businesses and his acting pursuits. "2027's going to be a very big year for both my businesses and acting!"