SHOPPERS came out in force this week as reality TV star Joey Essex, opened the new Wilko store inside Lakeside shopping centre.

Joey, from hit ITV show ‘The Only Way Is Essex’, not only lead the ribbon cutting – he bagged himself a collection of bargain Wilko homeware for his bachelor pad.

Fans gathered outside the store as the first 100 customers through the door took home free £20 gift cards and goody bags stuffed with Wilko products, while shoppers at the store in the morning got autographs and selfies with Joey.

Joey then filled his own Wilko bag with lots of products from the store – including mirrors, Blox toys and hairspray. Joey is famously fond of keeping his pad clinically clean and dust-free, of course.

Joey said: “I was buzzing to open the new Wilko store and meet the reem team. I love that I got to cut the ribbon and pick up a few bits for my new pad.”

Wilko Lakeside store manager, Steve Vaz, said: “It was great having Joey come down and open the new store and to get the chance to show him our great product range. He obviously liked what he saw and went away with lots of Wilko products for himself.

“We know shoppers will be impressed by the quality and value we have to offer and with lots of new products for the home and garden in store, now is the perfect time to come and browse our collections.”