TOWIE Christmas special to return

'The Only Way Is Essex' is set for a movie-length Christmas special.

While 'The Only Way Is Essexmas' was axed two years ago, it is set to return to ITVBe in 2024 for a 90-minute special.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The latest series of 'TOWIE' has been a huge hit and there has been a lot of drama. It made sense to bring back the Christmas special.

"It’s a movie-length episode and fans can expect some real festive fun, romance and probably a few feuds."

The last 'TOWIE' Christmas special aired in 2021 but it was announced in 2022 that it would not return due to "budget" constraints.

A show insider told The Sun at the time: "The cast were floored by the news as 'TOWIE's Christmas specials are something of a tradition, so none of them were expecting to not be filming this time round.

"They were all told that the scheduling didn't work out and the budget is being spent on other things, but it's left them all feeling really nervous about the future for the show.

"It's not a good sign for the series in general if bosses have decided it doesn't make financial sense to film the celebratory one-off.

"Many of them rely on the Christmas special for additional work, and also because it helps maintain their profile as the regular show doesn't air as frequently throughout the year anymore."