TOWIE 'to air twice a week for 10th anniversary'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 2mo

The 10th anniversary series of The Only Way Is Essex will reportedly air twice a week this autumn.

The new series of The Only Way Is Essex will reportedly air twice a week when it airs this autumn.

The ITVBe reality show had been due to return for a new run in March but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, with lockdown and social distancing guidelines making filming almost impossible at that time.

According to The Sun, as a result of the delay this autumn's series will now run to 18 episodes and broadcast twice a week, with a relaxation of the rules now meaning that production can resume.

In October the show marks 10 years on the air and it has been previously speculated that former stars - including Mark Wright, James Argent and Amy Childs - could return for the occasion.

"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," said Sarah Tyekiff, head of unscripted at production company Lime Pictures.

"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. What happens in Essex, won't stay in Essex!"

Paul Mortimer, ITV's head of digital channels, added: "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."

Ten years on, TOWIE remains one of ITV's most successful shows and still draws audiences of more than a million viewers.