The Only Way Is Essex is reportedly set to bring back its festive cheer with a special Christmas edition this December, despite the previous two years’ specials being axed.
Rumours are swirling that TOWIE fans can look forward to an extended 90-minute episode filled with Yuletide drama, as opposed to the standard hour-long format.
It’s said that The Only Way Is Essexmas will grace our screens on ITVBe in 2024, following what has been described as a “huge hit” series. A source divulged to The Sun: “The latest series of ‘TOWIE’ has been a huge hit and there has been a lot of drama. It made sense to bring back the Christmas special. It’s a movie-length episode and fans can expect some real festive fun, romance and probably a few feuds.”
Last year’s cancellation was confirmed by cast member Ella-Rae Wise on her social media platforms. Similarly, in 2022, the special was shelved, with reports suggesting financial constraints were to blame.
An insider shared with The Sun previously: “The cast were floored by the news as ‘TOWIE’s Christmas specials are something of a tradition, so none of them were expecting to not be filming this time round.
“They were all told that the scheduling didn’t work out and the budget is being spent on other things, but it’s left them all feeling really nervous about the future for the show.”, reports the Mirror.
At the time, a concerned insider highlighted the potential repercussions for the show, remarking: “It’s not a good sign for the series in general if bosses have decided it doesn’t make financial sense to film the celebratory one-off.”
Additionally, they pointed out how vital these specials are for the cast: “Many of them rely on the Christmas special for additional work, and also because it helps maintain their profile as the regular show doesn’t air as frequently throughout the year anymore.”
However, there’s hope that the Yuletide episode will return with vigour this December. The TOWIE crew have been keeping mum on the festive special details, but Jodie Wells gave a hint during a recent interaction online.
Jodie, romantically linked with TOWIE’s James ‘Diags’ Bennewith, addressed the question of a festive comeback in a social media Q&A with fans. She responded: “With how the series ended I feel a Christmas special would be amazing.”
TOWIE airs Sundays at 9pm on ITVBe