The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) is reportedly set for a therapy-style spin-off, with former cast members returning to relive key moments in their lives.
Reports suggest ITV bosses have already given the green light to the new format, which could see stars including Gemma Collins and ex-boyfriend James Argent return for a ‘showdown’.
The reality show has been on air since 2010 and across its 38 series the cast has experienced everything from weddings, babies, divorces and family tragedies.
And now it looks like fans will delve deeper into the lives of the cast, as each episode will reportedly see them sitting with therapists as they pour their hearts out on screen.
TOWIE producers are said to have pitched the new idea to top television bosses at ITV, signing off on the format.
A source said The sun: ‘Towie is known for documenting everything from births and divorces to deeply personal turning points. And now they want to put the show’s stars in a more introspective spotlight.
The Only Way Is Essex is reportedly set for a therapy-style spin-off, with former cast members returning to relive key moments in their lives [The cast pictured in 2012]
Reports suggest ITV bosses have already given the green light to the new format, which could see stars including Gemma Collins and ex-James Argent appear [pictured] back for a ‘showdown’
“Each episode pairs a cast member with a therapist and invites them to talk on camera about defining moments in their lives.”
The source went on to suggest that some tough topics could be explored, including Lauren Goodger discussing the heartbreaking loss of her baby daughter Lorena, and Harry Derbidge opening up about his eating disorder.
It could even see former lovers Gemma and James come face to face to discuss their failed romance.
The insider continued: ‘It’s in the early stages at the moment, but the show is getting closer and ITV and the production company are very keen to move forward. It feels fresh and new and gives Towie fans even more content from their favorite faces.”
It’s thought the new show will begin filming and airing sometime next year.
The Daily Mail has contacted ITV representatives for comment.
The news comes amid high drama and tension for the current cast, with Elma Pazar and Harry Derbidge at loggerheads.
Elma broke her silence on the feud that took place last year while filming in Vietnam and told Billie Faiers about her You Alright, Hun? Podcast: ‘We were very close, at one point we were inseparable.
‘I was on the phone with Harry all the time, we’ve been through a lot together – we’ve been through Harry’s worst days together. I would say it was extremely hard for Harry, but it was hard for both of us, because you take on your friends’ problems.
“You’ll see, but I would say we are taking steps forward, but I would say there are no more steps.”
Some tough topics can be explored, including Lauren Goodger discussing the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Lorena
In the show, Harry Derbidge was able to open up about his eating disorder
As to whether their friendship could be salvaged, she continued: “I think it went that way and Albania was obviously nice, but it was still a lot like coexisting and keeping each other at a distance.”
‘I was quite strict and wasn’t going to make it up to Harry anyway, so for me it probably didn’t upset me as much as he would have wanted me to be upset by it. It is what it is.’
Elsewhere, Lauren previously revealed her ‘relationship is over’ with her ‘diva’ TOWIE co-star Junaid Ahmed after a huge breakdown while filming the ITV series in Albania.
The TV personality, 39, left her daughter Larose behind to film the hit series abroad when best friend Junaid got engaged to Joe Blackman.
But Lauren has now said she fears the worst for their friendship after he became a ‘diva’ and ‘really upset’ her during a ‘terrible’ argument.
She told me The sun: ‘Me and Junaid got into an argument. Junaid is under a lot of pressure: he is engaged. I was there and supported them 100 percent. I just felt like he wasn’t really there for me, as a friend, nowhere to be seen. He was number one, as a diva.
‘I’ve been Joe and Junaid’s biggest supporter from day one and stood by them – literally against the rest of the cast, who they don’t really like, I’ve always stood up for them.’
She added: ‘I couldn’t be there. I was really upset. I didn’t know where it would go – I left it… the relationship is over. It was terrible. Really terrible.
I didn’t know if he would ever be okay because I was in such a vulnerable situation. I don’t like going away, let alone without my daughter. It was a big step for me and I just felt like I didn’t need to be yelled at.”
