Being an extra on TV is harder than it looks.
It might look simple enough, but in reality it takes quite a bit of effort to do a decent job.
It’s not just dramas that need extras — they also need them on some reality shows, too.
READ MORE: TOWIE stars who quit – tragic death, fisherman, millionaire and soap marriage
Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
Your Daily Star Sunday got the chance to give it a go on The Only Way Is Essex.
It was during filming for the series finale so it was all systems go.
The ITVBe show had hired a massive site in south east London for an entire day to shoot enough footage.
Episodes can’t be filmed in public places due to safety reasons, so they’re done in a controlled environment.
But producers still want it to look real for the cameras and that’s where the extras come in.
It’s a way of making sure there’s plenty of atmosphere and scenes aired on TV look top notch.
Anyone who takes on the job isn’t called an extra. Instead, the job title is “invited guest”. They want you to feel part of the action.
The scene I filmed is at a nightclub and even though it’s 3pm, everything is made to look like we’re all having a wild evening.
There are decorations everywhere, a giant mirrorball and flashing lights.
All of the extras are given fancy cocktails. But all is not what it seems as they’re not tasty tipples at all and we’re told not to drink them.
Once the cast members arrive, it’s all systems go and filming begins.
Fan favourites including Harry Derbidge and Elma Pazar along with sisters Frankie and Demi Sims were there to talk about the latest drama going on between everyone.
As the cameras roll, all of us extras are told to dance like we’re having a big night out, but there’s no music playing as that’s added when the episode is edited together.
So all of us go for it with our best moves even though there are no tunes.
This is a laugh at first, but after half an hour, it’s difficult to keep up the enthusiasm.
But there are plenty of treats to keep you happy as extras get to munch on takeaway pizza between filming sessions.
While the partying is faked for the cameras, the action between the cast is all real.
Producers don’t meddle in the conversations between the stars. They’re all left to say whatever they want.
Filming for the scene went on for 40 minutes and just a fraction of that will air on the show.
It means viewers get to see plenty of great footage when they tune in.
Next time you’re watching, spare a thought for the extras putting in the hours to make the show TV gold!
English (US) ·