TOWIE confirms TWO new series with cast filming in their most expensive location to date… as they tease ‘unexpected alliances will be formed’
The Only Way Is Essex returns in 2024 with two new series and this time the stars head to Bali.
After the show became the fourth most watched show on ITVX, the broadcaster spent the money to film three episodes on the Indonesian island.
TOWIE stars will be sent on holiday in February 2024 and producers are expected to 'pull out all the stops' this year, according to The sun.
A source told the publication: 'TOWIE is back for two new seasons and producers are going all out.
'They squandered the money by sending the cast to Bali for a glamorous trip in February.
The Only Way Is Essex returns with two new series in 2024 and this time the stars – including Lauren Goodger – head to Bali (Lauren pictured in Dubai in 2019)
After the show became the fourth most watched show on ITVX, the broadcaster spent the money to film three episodes on the Indonesian island (TOWIE star Chloe Brockett pictured)
The 2024 cast has yet to be confirmed, but fans can expect the return of Lauren and Chloe Brockett (photo: L-R Dani Imbert, Liam Gatsby, Saffron Lempiere, Amy Childs, Sims sisters, Roman Hackett, Chloe Sims, Diags, Amy Childs, Pete Wicks, James Lock, Chloe Brockett, Amber Turner, Dan Edgar)
'It's the most exotic place they've ever experienced so far and it's a huge treat for the lucky stars who get booked to go.'
Producers teased fans as they confirmed that 'unexpected alliances' will be formed.
Director of Programming, Unscripted, Lime Pictures, Rebecca Kenny-Smith, said: “We are delighted to announce the return of TOWIE in 2024.
'TOWIE is a truly iconic reality TV show and has become a cornerstone of British television, captivating audiences for more than 32 series. Expect more riveting entertainment from the gossip and glamor capital of Britain.”
Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2, ITVBe & CITV, Paul Mortimer, said: 'Twelve years later and TOWIE is still going strong. It remains the number one show on ITVBe and a regular on ITVX.
'We're excited to welcome TOWIE back in 2024 as it continues to deliver new stories by peeling back the layers of Essex's most vibrant characters.'
It came after TOWIE veteran Lauren Goodger announced she would be returning to the cast after an 11-year absence.
The influencer, 37, told OK! that she plans to return to the reality show in February and has already started thinking about possible storylines.
Lauren (pictured) announced that she would be returning to the cast after an eleven-year absence. The influencer, 37, told OK! that she plans to return to the reality show in February
The veteran's return came after TOWIE legend Gemma Collins earlier this year branded the 2023 cast as 'terrible' and insisted she would never return to the show
Lauren was part of the original 2010 line-up for the show, which focused on her long-term relationship with Mark Wright, and left in 2012 following their breakup in series six.
She returned briefly in 2015 for The Only Way Is Essexmas and, looking to the future, said she wants to “meet Amy Childs and have lunch with the kids!”
The official final casting for the 2024 series has not yet been confirmed.
Earlier this year, TOWIE legend Gemma Collins called the 2023 cast 'terrible' and insisted she would never return to the show.
The 42-year-old reality star shot to fame on the ITV2 series in 2011 before leaving in 2019, but says there are no more 'stars' on the programme.
Speak with The mirror, Gemma: 'I watched it the other day and I'll never get those minutes of my life back. What happened?
'There were about two scenes in it. Chloe Brockett was good, and the new girl Elma (Pazar), but the rest was terrible.”
She added: 'There are no stars there, darling – we were stars.'
She also insisted she would never return to the series that made her name, saying: “Being in those toxic argumentative environments… it's a load of c**p.”
Gemma shot to fame on the ITV2 series in 2011 before leaving in 2019, but says there are no more 'stars' on the program (original cast: clockwise from top left: Kirk Norcross, Billie Faiers, Joey Essex , Lucy Mecklenburgh, James Argent, Lydia Bright, Jess Wright, Lauren Goodger, Mark Wright, Sam Faiers, Harry Derbidge)