TOWIE's Harry Derbidge reveals new boyfriend as he jets to Australia to meet him for 1st time - 'We've dated on FaceTime'

Fans were hooked this year on one of the most dramatic storylines TOWIE has ever seen: when Harry Derbidge's ex, Joe Blackman, got together with his best mate Junaid Ahmed in the last series of the ITVBe show. As filming kicks off for a 90-minute Christmas special, TOWIE original Harry spills the beans about bouncing back from the shock of Joe and Junaid's betrayal, the massive public support he's received – and he lets slip that he's found someone new, but they're based in Australia. Harry, 30, also shares his festive plans, which involve letting loose and shaking off a tough year with his cousin, Amy Childs.

Hi, Harry! How are you? You were heartbroken at the end of the last series…

I am in such a better place. In Cyprus, when it all happened, I don’t even remember it… I was there but not there. I am so thankful I have come out the other side. Time is a healer. I will always be scarred by the situation and that scar will stay with me into my new relationships. But I am pleased two people have shown me who they really are. I thought I would still been in a bad place now, but I’m lucky I’ve been able to pull myself together.

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You’ve had a lot of support, haven’t you?

I went through my phone after an episode and I had thousands of DMs. It was the most my Instagram has ever blown up. It was overwhelming but so amazing at the same time. So many people related to what I was going through. I thought this was something so out of the ordinary. Never in a million years did I think your best friend runs off with your boyfriend. I didn’t think people lived like that. But honestly, people are messaging, going, “My husband left me for my best friend…” there were so many. The love and support I had really helped.

You’re looking well, too…

I am working on myself. I have been going to the gym a lot. Just to make myself feel better and look nice. I want to be on the next TOWIE beach trip feeling my best. I was so comfy in a relationship, I kind of let myself go. So, now it is all about being the best version of me.

How have you found it, filming with Joe and Junaid?

I have only seen them once so far this Christmas special. That’s going to change today. There’s a lot of stuff that happened. The last time we saw TOWIE everyone was on the phone, going, “They’ve broken up…” I look at them and think, “You ain’t real.” They can try and hurt me or rub it in my face but I just see them for what they are now. I will never forgive them, ever. And Joe’s apology was not a genuine apology. He apologised and two minutes later called me a liar. I ended up losing my head and I just walked off. I am proud of myself. The person you last saw on screen? I’ve changed a lot since then. Yesterday they had to walk in, but I just turned my back, smiled and carried on. They don’t hurt me any more.

Have you had a lot of support from the cast?

It was a clear right or wrong. The fact that they go around playing victims?! I have blocked them so I don’t see their stuff [on social media]. It doesn’t mean people don’t screen shot it and send it to me, so I have made a rule now with the girls, saying send me nothing, I don’t want to see it. The day I accepted it happened… I woke up. I was so hurt and worked up and wasn’t sleeping. I looked at myself in the mirror and accepted it. The day I did that was a blessing. It made me really happy. My life got better without them in it. They were problems.

Is there anyone new on the horizon?

I am seeing someone. It is early days. It is so early, we haven’t even met! He lives on the other side of the world, in Australia. I’m going for two weeks – to go on a first date. I’ve never been. I’m dreading the flight, I’ve never been on one that long. The first part is eight hours and the second is 13. It is a new chapter. I’m still single, but there is someone who texts every day. We have dates over FaceTime. He is very handsome. I am going to take my time. It is the other side of the world, so it can’t be rushed!

Do you still get on well with Girlband 2.0?

Me and the girls are still Girlband 2.0. That is still going strong. I think Ella [Rae Wise] is having a bit of guilt about not being there for me – I’ll have a chat with her at some point. I don’t have bad feelings towards Ella. I know life happens and people get into relationships and friendships change. I don’t take it personally. Put her and Dan [Edgar] aside, or me and the girls aside. When Ella needed someone, I was there, but when I needed her she wasn’t there. It doesn’t need to get aggy or blow up, but there’s a conversation that needs to be had.

And have you and Freddie [Bentley] made up?

I’ve been getting on really well with Freddie. We really bonded. It was just natural. We were chatty and in a nice way, we’re friends. We’re really similar and laugh at the lot of the same stuff. We were bouncing off each other so that’s something we can maybe see more of. And Arg [James ‘Arg’ Argent] is back! That’s exciting. Another OG – there are four of us now. Me, Amy, Lauren [Goodger]
and Arg. Maybe we need to bring more back!

What are your plans for Christmas?

I’m going to be home for Christmas Day, we’re going to a restaurant with all the family; my mum, brother, auntie, everyone. Amy’s having dinner at home with Billy [Delbosq, her partner] and his family and then I’ll meet her in the evening for some drinks and games! She’ll put the babies to bed and let her hair down.

The Only Way Is Essexmas airs Sunday 15 December