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IT'S THE ONLY WAY
Towie bosses axe TEN cast members as they cull stars in show’s biggest shake-up in history
THE Only Way Is Essex bosses have axed at least ten of their cast members as the show undergoes its biggest shake-up ever.
Producers for the ITVBe programme tonight told some of their biggest stars that they would not be returning as regulars in the next series.
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Among those thought to have escaped the cull include veteran cast member Chloe Sims and her sisters Demi and Frankie, and Gatsby, who has been on the show since 2015.
Insiders say they made the mass cull because they want it to “go back to basics” and focus on a smaller core cast of characters.
The most recent series of the show, running since 2010, featured as many as 47 characters in varying roles.
An ITV source said: “With an ever-growing cast of characters it was becoming hard to give the audience any real insight into the lives of those involved.
“Producers want the show to go back to how it used to be at the start where the audience saw much more of each character’s backstory and what they get up to.
The bigger the cast, the less screen time each gets. They want to flip that round again and give less more."
“The bigger the cast, the less screen time each gets. They want to flip that round again and give less more.
“Obviously that means some big names are out which is upsetting, but the bosses felt it was the right time to make a big change.
“Those who have been told they won’t be returning as regulars will be given support in the future as they have done with previous cast members who have moved on.”
In a post on their social networks tonight, producers confirmed the exodus.
It said: “After more than ten fabulous years following the lives of our ever-growing cast, TOWIE will be evolving with some changes. As it looks ahead to future series’ to come, the next instalment of our BAFTA award winning show returns to Essex to follow a smaller group of cast members.”
Those who won’t appear regularly on-screen next series will always be part of the TOWIE family and we wholeheartedly thank them for sharing their lives with us in recent years.
They added: “This change allows our cast more time to film their real lives, showing more of their personal passions and professions, alongside their strong bonds and dynamics with family and friends.
“Those who won’t appear regularly on-screen next series will always be part of the TOWIE family and we wholeheartedly thank them for sharing their lives with us in recent years.
“As always, their wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we will continue to offer welfare support if needed to all past and present TOWIE cast.
"We ask and urge all our viewers to think before commenting below, and remember that #thesepeopleareallreal.
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"Thank you to our audience for your continued support. TOWIE will be back soon for it’s 29th series on ITVBe, stay tuned for further announcements.”
A show source added: “We are always willing to keep the door open for departing cast members to return.
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“All of our current and departing cast members are offered access to our welfare officer, an independent psychological consultant, and a have number of advisory services to support them
“TOWIE will be back soon for its 29th series on ITVBe, with further announcements in due course.”
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