The Uppercut hair salons in Hainault and Gants Hill are reporting a bumper business year as they enjoy the TOWIE effect with a string of celebrity clients.

Part of a chain of Essex salons, both have been frequented by stars of The Only Way Is Essex, the popular reality TV show.

In the last year, Uppercut owner Trevor Vale says his business group has shown “a very encouraging increase” in turnover.

The Gants Hill salon in Cranbrook Road sits opposite Faces nightclub, a regular location in the show, while the Hainault branch in Manford Way is within walking distance of TOWIE regular pub The King William IV.

And both have attracted more customers in the last year – 1,000 in Gants Hill, 800 in Hainault – possibly as a result.

Mr Vale said: “We’ve been established over 30 years and this has been the most successful year we have had in the last five years. And I still have the same enthusiasm and desire to be the best at what we do.”

Marketing executive Jade Eustace said: “Essex is getting more on the map and people are becoming more image conscious.

“Because in Gants Hill we’re opposite Faces, where I’m sure business is buzzing, people will see our sign and see the offers we have on.”

Customers have included sisters from the show Sam and Billie Faiers, Chloe Sims, actress Michelle Collins, singer Pixie Lott, snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan and former footballer Ray Parlour.

The company has four other salons in Brentwood, Hornchurch, Romford, which includes a hair academy, and Upminster and runs a lunchtime hair express service, which guarantees customers a cut within 45 minutes on weekdays.