When is TOWIE back? The Only Way Is Essex season 26 return date, cast and spoilers

TOWIE fanatics have been left without their fix of Essex drama this year.

However, this is set to change as it has been announced that the 10th-anniversary-series will be airing in September.

When does the new season of Towie start?

TOWIE's return date has been confirmed as September 6.

The 10th-anniversary series was due to start in March 2020, but ITV bosses decided to delay production on the new series until later in the year.

The new series is expected to air in September - but no exact start date has been announced just yet.

Although the delay may come as a disappointment, Towie fans will be delighted to hear that the show will be airing twice a week like it used to.

A source said: “There have been lengthy discussions with the cast, and it just wouldn’t have worked without a busy social scene and going to clubs and their shops.

“So bosses have decided to wait until later in the year when the crisis has calmed down a bit. It’s not worth the risk."

Head of Unscripted for Lime Pictures Sarah Tyekiff told us: “We are so excited to get the iconic Towie back on people’s screens, twice a week, for what is going to be a huge Anniversary season.

"It’ll be back with a bang to celebrate 10 phenomenal years with our amazing cast and see the return of some very familiar faces.

18 new episodes will arrive on TV screens later this year.

Who will be in the cast?

Fans will be excited to hear that old Towie favourites James Argent, Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs have all said they want to be part of the tenth anniversary celebrations.

TOWIE legends Joey Essex and Danielle Armstrong have also been spotted back on set after quitting the show six years ago.

However, series 25 cast members Chloe Ross, 26, Joey Turner, 18, and Jayden Beales, 21, have been given the boot for the new series.

The group reunited at a festival-themed gathering for upcoming Towie episodes

The stars were spotted filming the socially distanced episodes with full festival works, bunting, hay stacks, an ice cream van, and games set up around a field.

What will happen in season 26?

Series 25 saw more drama than ever in Essex so the 10th anniversary series looks promising.

In the last series, Dan Edgar and Amber Turner bailed on Chloe Sims' birthday causing even more agg between the trio.

Meanwhile, Olivia Attwood was caught up in "olive-gate" and clashed with the girls, while Harry Lee finally asked Frankie Sims to be his girlfriend.

Ella Rae Wise and Chloe Brockett were spotted having a heated argument during filming for the show, so we can expect rivalry between the two to continue into the last season.

However, although Towie films abroad at least once a year, plans for a trip overseas have been axed.

The ITVBe series was due to start filming in the Canary Islands for the show's annual special abroad but producers have had to scrap the plans after the coronavirus outbreak.

Paul Mortimer, Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions for ITV, said "After 10 years, Towie is still going strong and remains the number one show on ITVBe.

"We're thrilled to be welcoming back new and old faces for the upcoming mega-series as the show celebrates this special anniversary."