Ella Rae Wise burst onto our screens as a fresh-faced 19-year-old and quickly became one of the most talked-about stars on The Only Way Is Essex. From her early days working as a hairdresser in Essex to navigating high-profile romances and branching out into other reality shows, her journey feels both relatable and aspirational.
In this article, we’ll explore Ella Rae Wise’s story in depth her background, breakout on TOWIE, memorable dramas, other TV ventures, personal growth, and what keeps fans hooked in 2026. Whether you’re a longtime TOWIE watcher or just discovering her, there’s plenty to unpack.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Ella Rae Wise |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 12 July 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Birthplace | Havering, Essex, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5′ 5″ (165 cm) |
| Profession | Reality TV Star, Aesthetics Practitioner |
| Known For | The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) |
| Years Active | 2019–present |
| Other TV Shows | Celebrity Big Brother, Ex on the Beach, The Challenge UK |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Net Worth | Approx. £500,000 |
| @ellaraewisex |
Who Is Ella Rae Wise? Her Story Before Fame
Ella Rae Wise was born on 12 July 2000 in Havering, Essex, making her 25 years old as of 2026. She grew up in a typical Essex environment and attended Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls. Before reality TV came calling, Ella trained as a hairdresser and specialised in hair extensions a skill that still shapes her polished look today.
Like many young people in the area, she built a presence on Instagram, sharing her styling work and day-to-day life. That online visibility proved crucial. Producers spotted her and invited her to join TOWIE in 2019. It was a classic case of social media opening doors that traditional routes might never have.For more on her official background, check her Wikipedia page.
From Hairdresser to Reality Star: The Turning Point
Joining The Only Way Is Essex at such a young age came with pressure. Ella entered during a new era of the show, alongside other fresh faces like Chloe Brockett and Kelsey Stratford. She brought energy, honesty, and that signature Essex glamour.
Her early storylines focused on fitting into the established group while dealing with typical reality TV hurdles — gossip, friendships, and first romances on camera. She handled it with a mix of vulnerability and confidence that resonated with viewers.
What is Ella Rae Wise known for? Primarily her long-running role on TOWIE, where she has appeared since series 24. But she has also carved out space in the wider reality TV world through shows that test different sides of her personality.
How Ella Rae Wise Joined TOWIE in 2019
Ella has shared that she was scouted directly via Instagram. At the time, she was still working in hairdressing and hadn’t planned a full TV career. Her debut brought a breath of fresh air — younger, relatable, and unfiltered.
Key Moments That Made Her Stand Out on TOWIE
- Bold fashion choices and flawless hair that fans still try to recreate.
- Early romantic links, including a brief connection with Pete Wicks.
- Genuine friendships and fallouts that felt authentic rather than manufactured.
The show briefly axed her in 2021, a tough moment she has spoken about openly. Instead of fading away, Ella used the time productively. She trained intensively to become a qualified aesthetics practitioner, learning Botox, fillers, skin treatments, and more. This side hustle gave her financial independence and a skill she could fall back on.
She made a strong return in 2022, showing real resilience.
Ella Rae Wise’s Love Life on and off TOWIE
Romance has been a big part of Ella’s TOWIE narrative. Her on-off relationship with Dan Edgar drew significant attention, partly due to their 10-year age gap and the drama surrounding it. They connected in Bali after his split from Amber Turner, but the relationship had its ups and downs, including a public split just before Ella entered Celebrity Big Brother in 2025.
She has also been linked to Tom McDonnell and had other fleeting connections that played out on screen. Through it all, Ella has tried to keep some boundaries while acknowledging that being on TV makes privacy difficult.
These storylines highlight a common reality TV challenge: balancing genuine feelings with the pressure of public scrutiny.
Drama, Friendships, and Growth on The Only Way Is Essex
TOWIE thrives on group dynamics, and Ella found her place among the cast. She has called out co-stars for “getting above their station” at times and spoken about the tantrums that can happen during cast trips.
Her growth has been noticeable. From a newcomer navigating cliques to someone more confident in voicing her opinions, Ella has matured on camera. Fans appreciate her willingness to show emotional moments rather than always playing it cool.
Ella Rae Wise’s Other Reality TV Appearances
TOWIE opened doors beyond Essex. In 2022, she joined Celebrity Ex on the Beach, diving into more intense dating drama. The following year, she competed on The Challenge UK, pushing her physically in a format very different from TOWIE’s salon chats. She was eliminated in episode 4 but gained respect for stepping outside her comfort zone.
Celebrity Big Brother 2025 marked another milestone. Entering the house brought new challenges, including navigating group tensions and dealing with her recent breakup publicly. She was evicted mid-series but used the platform to show more of her personality beyond the Essex stereotype.
What Her Big Brother Experience Revealed About Her
Viewers saw Ella’s emotional side more clearly moments of vulnerability mixed with her trademark warmth and humour. The experience highlighted her resilience and ability to reflect on past relationships in real time.
Ella Rae Wise’s Career Moves and Side Hustles
Beyond TV, Ella has built a multi-faceted career. As a qualified aesthetics practitioner, she offers treatments and continues developing that expertise. She also launched her own clothing brand, Bemee by ERW (sometimes styled BEMEÈ), turning her fashion sense into a business venture.
Her Instagram remains a key platform, with hundreds of thousands of followers engaging with her style, daily life, and promotions.
Ella Rae Wise net worth estimates in 2026 sit around £500,000, built through TV fees, brand deals, social media, and her businesses. For someone still in her mid-20s, that’s impressive financial independence.
How Reality TV Changed Ella’s Life
Reality TV accelerated everything for Ella opportunities, public recognition, and personal challenges. It taught her about handling criticism, staying authentic, and turning setbacks into comebacks. She has spoken about the importance of having skills outside of filming, which is why she invested in aesthetics training.
What You Can Learn from Ella Rae Wise’s Journey
Building resilience in the public eye Ella shows that it’s okay to have emotional moments. She bounces back stronger after difficult storylines or breaks.
Balancing drama with authenticity Viewers connect when they sense someone is real. Ella shares enough to engage but protects her core values.
Turning fame into long-term opportunities Instead of relying only on TOWIE, she diversified into aesthetics, fashion, and other shows. This creates stability.
Guide: How to Build a Personal Brand Like Ella Rae Wise
- Start with what you know Ella used her hairdressing expertise.
- Be consistent on social media with your authentic style.
- Say yes to new challenges that stretch you (like The Challenge or Big Brother).
- Invest in qualifications or side skills for security.
- Learn from relationships and experiences without letting them define you entirely.
- Stay grounded family and old friends help keep perspective.
These steps aren’t guaranteed to land you on TV, but they build the foundation Ella used.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ella Rae Wise
How old is Ella Rae Wise and where is she from? She is 25 (born 12 July 2000) and from Havering, Essex.
When did Ella Rae Wise join TOWIE and is she still on the show? She joined in 2019 and remains a cast member, though her involvement varies with other projects.
Who has Ella Rae Wise dated? Notable relationships include Pete Wicks, Tom McDonnell, and on-off romance with Dan Edgar. She is currently single.
What other reality shows has Ella Rae Wise been on? Celebrity Ex on the Beach (2022), The Challenge UK (2023), and Celebrity Big Brother (2025).
What is Ella Rae Wise’s net worth in 2026? Estimates place it around £500,000 from TV, brands, and businesses.
Did Ella Rae Wise win Celebrity Big Brother? No, she was evicted during the series but gained new fans from her appearance.
Conclusion
Ella Rae Wise’s rise from Essex hairdresser to established reality TV personality proves that timing, personality, and smart moves can create a lasting career. She has faced axing, public breakups, and the pressures of fame but continues evolving whether through new TV formats, her aesthetics work, or her clothing line.
Her story resonates because it’s about more than drama. It’s about a young woman figuring out who she is while thousands watch. As TOWIE and the reality landscape change, Ella’s blend of glamour, honesty, and hustle suggests she still has plenty more chapters ahead.
What’s your favourite Ella Rae Wise moment? Drop a comment below and keep following her journey. The Essex girl with big ambitions isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
