Towie legends to reunite for new reality series ahead of show’s 15th birthday

MOVE over Noel and Liam Gallagher, this is the sibling reunion we’ve all been waiting for.

I can reveal that The Only Way is Essex legends Sam Faiers and her sister Billie are working on a new series together, just in time for the reality show’s 15th birthday.

Billie quit her long-running ITVBe series The Family Diaries in September to give her three children the chance to grow up away from the cameras.

That came three years after Sam stepped away from the spotlight, having starred in The Mummy Diaries with Billie for seven years.

Fiercely loyal

Now the sisters are reuniting for a fresh format that will focus on their lives as entrepreneurs.

A source said: “ITVBe viewers absolutely love Billie and Sam — there’s a reason The Mummy Diaries ran for nine series, then Billie’s Family Diaries for six.

“Of all the original Towie stars, they’ve kept a fiercely loyal fanbase for nearly 15 years and everyone was sad when Sam then Billie decided to call time on their fly-on-the-wall shows.

“The new series, which will air later this year, will look at motherhood from a different angle and be less about the kids and more about their careers and juggling their businesses.

“It’s now a whole new chapter for the Faiers girls and they are back together, better than ever.”

Billie, who is a successful influencer, made the decision to end The Family Diaries to look after Nelly, Arthur and Margot with her husband Greg.

Sam, who is mum to Paul Jr, Rosie and Edward with husband Paul, left the show in 2021.

She’s gone on to become a global success with wellness business , which made her £13million in three years.

Who needs The Apprentice when we can watch the Faiers sisters for business tips?

KINGSMAN actor Tobi Bakare will reprise his role as Sergeant JP Hooper for the new series of Death in Paradise, on BBC One on January 31 at 9pm.

Sex Education’s Patricia Allison, Love Rat’s Imogen King and Bridgerton’s David Mumeni also make guest appearances.

JAMIE TO DISH OUT LAUGHS

JAMIE OLIVER has plenty on his plate after landing two new telly projects.

But that doesn’t mean the celebrity chef will shirk kitchen work – that’s if his upcoming appearance on Michael McIntyre's Big Show is anything to go by.

On tomorrow’s episode, Jamie – whose new programmes include a Channel 4 doc about our failing education system – spoonfeeds his customers in a prank in which he charges for a one-night “personal” service. 

Of course, it’s a stunt set up by comic Michael to trick fans on the BBC One show.

A server tells shocked customers: “You can pay extra to get Jamie involved. He will tuck your napkin in, which is only £50, and the spoonfeed.”

Catch the fun tomorrow at 6.50pm.

BARBIE actor Jamie Demetriou has joined the cast of new BBC comedy Funboys.

By the producer of award-winning show This Country, it sees friends Callum, Jordan and Lorcan, played by Ryan Dylan, Rian Lennon and Lee R James, navigate life in Northern Ireland.

STEPHEN TAKES ON BULLIES

STEPHEN MERCHANT is one of the biggest comedy stars so it stands to reason he is very well connected.

But The Outlaws star has made the bold claim that most celebrities are “f***ed up.”

He explains: “It doesn’t matter how successful they are or how famous they are, or the veneer of confidence they project, as soon as you get beneath the surface, most people are just guessing.

“Some of them are more ravaged with insecurity, neurosis, depression, or trauma, than you are.”

Speaking to the How To Fail podcast, Stephen said there are particular stars who bully others just to hide their own “insecurities”.

He added: “Some are trying to work on themselves and they are often the more settled and balanced people.

“Then there are others who are just covering their insecurities with bravado, bullying or whatever, and it gives you a great release because you’re like, ‘Oh god, I’m OK. I’m pretty even-keeled.”

You won’t find many like Stephen in showbiz land.

CUSTODY STARTING ON A HIGH

FLY-on-the-wall series 24 Hours In Police Custody has inspired a string of TV crime dramas and has just celebrated its tenth birthday.

And there is no sign the Channel 4 programme is going to mellow judging by what the producers have in store next week.

In episode The Unusual Suspects, which airs on Monday at 9pm, police are investigating drug smuggling across Bedfordshire and end up focusing on a middle-aged woman who looks more an “arts and crafts” type than a drugs kingpin.

Of course, the boys in blue have to work their magic on her down the station where we get a front row seat.