Inspiring 23-year-old TV star hopes to inspire others from Runcorn

George Bebbington, who lives in Runcorn, was first approached by TV casting scouts who contacted him on Instagram while he was on holiday.

After studying media at The Heath School, George gained a passion for being both in front and behind the camera, so jumped at the opportunity to be on television.

“In school I always said I would like to do reality TV and then maybe go into casting or producing, but it was always kind of frowned upon,” he said.

“It just ended up happening, which was insane, I didn’t go out searching for it, it just came to me.

“I replied thinking that nothing would happen but the next day they sent me a link to apply,” he said.

“It was very vague, I think it was about five questions. The next day I had a call from them and about four days later I was told ‘here’s your flights, you’re off to film’.”

George was scouted for Ex on the Beach on Instagram (Image: Supplied)

In May 2022, George flew out to take part in Ex on the Beach, a hit reality TV show broadcast on MTV.

The programme follows the cast as they explore new relationships but are intermittently interrupted by their exes arriving.

George and his ex, Alessandro, appeared on the show, which aired in May 2023.

“I didn’t have the nicest experience as I got into quite a few arguments, a bit of drama, but overall I would never take it back,” he said.

“I had a really good experience personally, it might not have looked like it on TV, but I would do it tomorrow if they asked me, it was great.”

Then, following his television debut, George was approached once again by scouts to take part in another show.

“They said they had seen me on X, and they said they liked my personality, how I was just myself and didn’t really change around other people, that I was unapologetically me which I always make sure I am,” he said.

George took part in Date Me at My Worst, a show that reveals people’s worst habits on a group first date to see how it would impact their opinions and is hosted by TikTok influencer, Max Balegde.

Looking forward, the 23-year-old hopes to take part in more programmes and already has some projects that he may appear in.

“I’m always open to do more, so if someone reaches out to me then I’m there,” he said.

George hopes to take part in more TV programmes in the future (Image: Supplied)

One of these potential projects would focus on men’s mental health, which George says its really important to him.

“I think there’s a stigma that needs to be broken around men’s mental health, and as well LGBTQ+ youth as well, it’s really good for them to be able to express themselves and talk about their issues,” he said.

He now hopes to use his building platform to promote positive messages and show that people from Runcorn can make it onto television too.

“I know there has obviously people that have been on TV before from Runcorn, but I haven’t met any personally and I don’t think there has been anyone on reality TV from Runcorn for a long time,” he said.

“TV shows look for people all over the country, and a lot of small towns kind of become neglected and people are never really chosen from there, so it’s nice to be able to say we do exist.

“My number one advice would be to go for it and just be yourself. If you don’t want to do something don’t do it, if you do want to do something do it.

“I always say be who you are. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”