A reality television star and six other men have appeared in court accused of conspiring to defraud in a £3m diamond scam.

The Only Way Is Essex personality Lewis Bloor, 29, from Buckhurst Hill, attended Westminster Magistrates' Court for allegedly dishonestly marketing coloured diamonds for investment purposes.

The court heard there were at least 50 victims linked the alleged fraud scam despite the seven men allegedly knowing they were not a "legitimate investment opportunity".

Bloor was joined in the dock by Joseph Jordan, 26, of Waltham Cross, George Walters, 27, of Beckenham, Max Potter, 22, of Enfield, Nathan Wilson, 25, of Brentwood and Simon Akbari, 25, of Loughton.

They are all facing a charge of conspiracy to defraud between May 17, 2013 and June, 19 2014.

Another co-defendant, Danny Chappell, 52, of Bexleyheath, is accused of entering an arrangement to facilitate the acquisition of criminal property.

This is namely by seeking money for completing renovation works by or on behalf of another person when no such works had been undertaken.

No pleas were entered.

The prosecutor said it was the first time anyone had been charged in connection with the ongoing investigation into the company.

Bloor who first appeared on TOWIE in 2013, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and British nationality during the nine-minute hearing.

The case has been adjourned to Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, September 19.