The Only Way Is Essex - wikipedia The Only Way Is Essex `` TOWIE '' redirects here. For the hamlet in Aberdeenshire, see Towie, Aberdeenshire. For the current series, see The Only Way Is Essex ( series 22 ). The Only Way Is Essex Also known as TOWIE Genre Reality television Created by Ruth Wrigley Tony Wood Starring See cast below Narrated by Denise van Outen Opening theme `` The Only Way Is Up '' by Yazz Country of origin United Kingdom Original language ( s ) English No. of series 22 No. of episodes 249 ( as of 3 May 2017 ) ( list of episodes ) Production Camera setup Multiple - camera setup Running time 30 mins ( series 1 ) 45 mins ( series 2 -- 7 ) 50 mins ( series 8 -- 21 ) 60 mins ( specials, 22 -- present ) Production company ( s ) Lime Pictures Distributor All3Media Release Original network ITV2 ( 2010 -- 14 ) ITVBe ( 2014 -- ) Original release 10 October 2010 ( 2010 - 10 - 10 ) -- present Chronology Related shows It 's All About Amy Mark Wright 's Hollywood Nights Educating Joey Essex There 's Something About Megan External links Website The Only Way Is Essex ( often abbreviated as TOWIE / ˈtaʊi / ) is a British reality television series based in Brentwood, England. It shows `` real people in modified situations, saying unscripted lines but in a structured way. '' The show is filmed just a few days in advance. It is narrated by Denise van Outen, who is from Basildon, Essex. The show has been described as Britain 's answer to The Hills and Jersey Shore. Each series lasts six weeks, airing on Wednesdays and Sundays at 10pm on ITV2 from 2010 to 2014, although it was announced in February 2014 that the show would be moved to ITV2 's sister channel ITVBe when the channel launches. The first series consisted of 10 episodes and ran for 30 minutes, with a Christmas special following later in the year. Due to popularity, the show was extended to 45 - minute episodes and renewed for a year 's airing. On 22 May 2011, the series won the Audience Award at the 2011 BAFTA Awards. The 12th series was the last to air on ITV2 before the show moved to ITV 's new channel, ITVBe in October 2014. On 13 March 2016, ITVBe aired a one - off documentary hosted by former cast member Mark Wright discussing the history of the show. Celebrities as well as cast members past and present united to talk about the popularity of the show, the fame the cast members have achieved from appearing in the series as well as the influence it has had on the economy. On 28 February 2017, with the announcement of the cast for the show 's twentieth series it was confirmed that instead of the usual three series per year, ITVBe would only be airing two series, but with more episodes. On 21 December 2017, it was announced that a further two series had been commissioned for 2018. It was also confirmed that the series will only air once a week unlike past series which aired twice a week. It was also announced that episode running times would be increased from 50 minutes to 60 minutes. Contents 1 Series 1.1 Series 1 ( 2010 ) 1.2 Series 2 ( 2011 ) 1.3 Series 3 ( 2011 ) 1.4 Series 4 ( 2012 ) 1.5 Series 5 ( 2012 ) 1.6 Series 6 ( 2012 ) 1.7 Series 7 ( 2012 ) 1.8 Series 8 ( 2013 ) 1.9 Series 9 ( 2013 ) 1.10 Series 10 ( 2013 ) 1.11 Series 11 ( 2014 ) 1.12 Series 12 ( 2014 ) 1.13 Series 13 ( 2014 ) 1.14 Series 14 ( 2015 ) 1.15 Series 15 ( 2015 ) 1.16 Series 16 ( 2015 ) 1.17 Series 17 ( 2016 ) 1.18 Series 18 ( 2016 ) 1.19 Series 19 ( 2016 ) 1.20 Series 20 ( 2017 ) 1.21 Series 21 ( 2017 ) 1.22 Series 22 ( 2018 ) 2 Cast 2.1 Other appearances 3 Reception 4 Production 5 Fresh Out of Essex 6 Music 6.1 Singles 6.2 Joey Essex Presents Essex Anthems 6.3 The Only Way Is Marbs -- Marbella Sessions 6.4 The Only Way Is Essex -- Dance Anthems 7 DVD releases 8 International broadcasts 9 See also 10 References 11 External links Series Main articles : List of The Only Way Is Essex episodes and TOWIE Live Year Series Number of Episodes Average viewers Channel Series 1 10 977,000 ITV2 2011 Series 2 14 1,466,000 Series 3 14 1,772,000 2012 Series 4 10 1,518,000 Series 5 10 1,576,000 Series 6 10 1,267,000 Series 7 10 1,441,000 2013 Series 8 12 1,379,000 Series 9 12 1,386,000 Series 10 12 1,379,000 2014 Series 11 12 1,491,000 Series 12 12 1,581,000 Series 13 11 1,092,000 ITVBe 2015 Series 14 13 992,000 Series 15 12 910,000 Series 16 12 1,069,000 2016 Series 17 14 1,123,000 Series 18 10 1,056,000 Series 19 10 1,044,000 2017 Series 20 18 1,047,000 Series 21 18 898,000 2018 Series 22 10 996,000 Series 1 ( 2010 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 1 ) The first series of the show began airing on 10 October 2010 and concluded on 10 November 2010, consisting of 10 episodes. Due to the success of the series, a Christmas special aired the same year on 24 December 2010. This series was heavily centered on the love triangle of Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger, and Lucy Mecklenburgh. This was the only series to feature cast members Candy Jacobs and Michael Woods. Mark also appeared alongside fellow cast members Amy Childs, James Argent, Nanny Pat and Sam Faiers on Alan Carr : Chatty Man on 21 February 2011 to discuss the first series and also confirmed a second series. Series 2 ( 2011 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 2 ) The second series began airing on 20 March 2011 and concluded on 4 May 2011. Due to the popularity of the first series, the second series consisted of 14 episodes. Before the series aired, the cast filmed a four - minute music video that was screened on ITV2 ; dance duo LMFAO remixed their hit single `` I 'm in Miami Bitch '' and replaced it with `` I 'm in Essex Girl ''. This series saw the departure of Amy Childs off screen and introduced new characters Joey Essex, Gemma Collins, Chloe Sims, Debbie Douglass, Carol Wright and Mick Norcross. Series 3 ( 2011 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 3 ) The third series began airing on 24 September 2011 and concluded on 9 November 2011, consisting of 14 episodes. As well as being the first series to feature new cast members Mario Falcone, Dino and Georgio Georgiades, Billi Mucklow and Cara Kilbey, this series saw the departures of original cast members Mark Wright, Harry Derbidge, Kirk Norcross and Maria Fowler. A second Christmas special aired on 20 December. The cast of the third series ( excluding Wright and Norcross ) covered the Wham ! single `` Last Christmas '' ; the official video premiered on ITV2 in November and the single peaked at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart. Series 4 ( 2012 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 4 ) The fourth series began airing on 29 January 2012 and concluded on 29 February 2012, consisting of 10 episodes. On 25 January, the show was nominated for `` Most Popular Reality Programme '' at the National Television Awards. The series was the last to feature Dino and Georgio Georgiades but included the arrival of new cast members Ricky Rayment, Bobby - Cole Norris, James `` Diags '' Bennewith, Georgia Dorsett, Tom Kilbey, Little Chris Drake and Charlie King. Mick Norcross returned to the series for the first time without his son Kirk. This was also the first series where the opening scenes changed to include silhouettes of the current characters, with the theme tune playing on the background. Series 5 ( 2012 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 5 ) The fifth series began airing on 15 April 2012 and yet again ran for 10 episodes concluding on 27 May 2012. The series included just one new cast member as Danni Park - Dempsey made her first appearance. It was also the last to include Georgina Dorsett who left after just two series. Shortly after the series, an hour - long special entitled The Only Way Is Marbs, set in the holiday destination of Marbella, aired on 13 June 2012. Tinchy Stryder made a guest appearance in the episode. Series 6 ( 2012 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 6 ) The sixth series started airing from 22 July 2012 and concluded on 22 August 2012. Lauren Goodger confirmed that this series would be her last and she departed at the end of the series. Former cast member Mark Wright, who last appeared in Series 3, made a cameo in the eighth episode, but did not have a speaking part. Series 7 ( 2012 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 7 ) The seventh series started airing from 30 September 2012 with all of the cast from the previous series returning apart from Lauren Goodger, and original cast member Kirk Norcross returning to the series after departing in Series 3. This made him the first cast member to return to the show. The series was renewed for two further series in August 2012, set to air sometime in 2013. On 13 November 2012 it was confirmed that three festive specials would air in December including a live episode, a first for the show. The live episode was met with numerous negative reviews, with Digital Spy commenting that it just did n't work and was complete car crash TV with it not making much sense. On 14 December 2012 it was confirmed that former cast member Mark Wright would return for a cameo appearance in the 2012 Christmas special. Original cast member Lydia Bright, Tom Kilbey, and Cara Kilbey all left after this series, and it was the first to include Danny Walia and Jasmin Walia, who had previously made a cameo in the first Christmas special of the show. Series 8 ( 2013 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 8 ) The eighth series started airing from 24 February 2013 and saw the introduction of several new cast members including James Locke, Dan Osborne, Jack Bennewith and Abi Clarke. Twin sisters Amy and Sally Broadbent were also confirmed to have joined the cast however after two episodes, Lucy Mecklenburgh announced on Twitter that they had been used by the show to create storylines and had been dropped from the cast. The series saw the departures of numerous long serving cast members such as Kirk Norcross, Debbie Douglas and Mick Norcross, Billi Mucklow and Danni Park - Dempsey who all announced their departures midway through the series. Series 9 ( 2013 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 9 ) The ninth series began airing from 2 June 2013 with two The Only Way Is Marbs specials and concluded after 12 episodes on 10 July 2013. On 24 May 2013 it was revealed that Gary Lineker 's brother, Wayne Lineker, had joined the cast. However he only appeared in two episodes. The series was the first to include new cast members Ferne McCann and Charlie Sims, and was the last to include Charlie King. It also featured the one off return of Lydia Bright, who had previously featured in the show from Series 1 through to 7. Series 10 ( 2013 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 10 ) The tenth series began with two - hour long The Only Way Is Vegas specials on 6 and 9 October 2013, as confirmed by ITV Press Centre on 25 September 2013. The regular tenth series followed running from 13 October to 13 November 2013. Ahead the series finale it was confirmed that Joey Essex would make his final appearance. As well as being the last series to include Joey, Abi, and Little Chris also made their final appearances during this series. Elliott Wright, Lewis Bloor and Danni Armstrong all made their first appearances in this series. A third Christmas special aired on 11 December 2013 and was Lucy Mecklenburgh 's final episode. Series 11 ( 2014 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 11 ) The eleventh series started airing from 23 February 2014 consisting of 12 episodes, ending on 2 April 2014. This series was the first to include Fran Parman, Grace Andrews and Georgia Kousoulou but was the last to feature original cast member Sam Faiers as she departed to focus on her health. Mark Wright also made another cameo appearance during this series, and it also included the return of Lydia Bright who made a full - time return to the series during the series finale. Series 12 ( 2014 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 12 ) The twelfth series began on 22 June 2014 with two The Only Way Is Marbs specials followed by 10 regular episodes, concluding on 30 July 2014. Original cast member Harry Derbidge made a full - time return to this series, however he was axed at the end of the series and did not return for the thirteenth. It was also the final series to feature Grace Andrews but first to include Vas J. Morgan. Mario Falcone was also absent during this series following a suspension. Series 13 ( 2014 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 13 ) The thirteenth series, the first to air on new channel ITVBe, began on 8 October 2014 with two The Only Way Is Ibiza specials, followed by 10 regular episodes, concluding on 16 November 2014, with the 2014 Christmas special following a month later on 10 December 2014. The new channel also launched on 8 October 2014. Because of this, the first episode of The Only Way Is Ibiza featured a live after party straight after the episode hosted by Mark Wright and narrator of the show Denise van Outen. Mario Falcone returned to the series following his suspension. This was the final series to feature long running cast member Tom Pearce, and the only series to include Georgia `` George '' Harrison. Tommy `` Mal '' Mallet also made his first appearance during this series. George later went onto appear in Love Island in 2017. Series 14 ( 2015 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 14 ) The fourteenth series began on 22 February 2015 and consisted of thirteen episodes ending on 5 April 2015. Original cast member Arg returned to the show after his suspension during the thirteenth series. After the launch of the new series, Mark Wright returned to host another live after party. The series includes the final appearances of Charlie Sims and Dan Osborne, but the first for Dan Edgar, Chloe Lewis and Jake Hall. Series 15 ( 2015 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 15 ) The fifteenth series launched on 14 June 2015 with two Marbella specials. It is the third series to feature on ITV 's new channel ITVBe. As well as confirming the new launch date, it was confirmed that ITV had renewed the show for a further six series, taking it to series 21. Ahead of the series it was announced that cast member Ricky Rayment had taken a short break from the show but would be back, however he did not return. It was also confirmed that Mario Falcone had been suspended from the show for the second time, this time after promoting slimming pills on social media. He returned to the show during the fourth episode. Series 16 ( 2015 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 16 ) The sixteenth series began on 4 October 2015. This is the first series to be included under the new contract which was confirmed on 3 June 2015, renewing the show for a further six series. Ahead of the series, it was announced that cast member Gemma Collins had quit the show. She had appeared on the show since the second series. For the Essexmas special, Gemma Collins, Mario Falcone and Lauren Goodger each made a brief return to the show. This was the last series to feature Nanny Pat who died on 16 December 2015, and Lauren Pope who made her exit during the series. Series 17 ( 2016 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 17 ) The seventeenth series began on 28 February 2016. Ahead of the series, it was announced that Jess Wright, who had appeared on the show since the first series had quit. It was also confirmed that Ferne McCann would be taking a break from the series. It will be the first series to include new cast members Chloe Meadows, Courtney Green, and Chris and Jon Clark. Jon previously appeared on ITV2 's Love Island. This series will also feature the show 's 200th episode. Despite previously announcing that she 'd quit the show, Gemma Collins appeared in this series. On 9 March 2016, it was announced that former Ex on the Beach star and Celebrity Big Brother housemate Megan McKenna has joined the cast and would be making her debut during the 200th episode. However, Megan previously made a brief appearance on the first Essexmas special in 2010 where she originally auditioned for Jess Wright 's new girl group. On 13 March 2016, ahead of the show 's milestone 200th episode, a special episode titled `` The Power of TOWIE '' aired hosted by Mark Wright, where cast past and present united to discuss the show 's history. Series 18 ( 2016 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 18 ) The eighteenth series began on 17 July 2016 with a The Only Way is Mallorca special. Ahead of the series it was announced that cast member Jake Hall had quit the show having appeared since the fourteenth series. Despite quitting the show at the end of the sixteenth series, Jess Wright made a one - off appearance to support Bobby over the loss of his dog. It was also the first series not to include long - running cast member Lewis Bloor, who quit during the previous series. New cast member Amber Dowding joined the show for this series. Love Island winners Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde also made guest appearances during the ninth episode of the series. This was the final series to include Billie Faiers after it was announced she had quit the show, as well as Mike Hassini, who did not return for the nineteenth series. Series 19 ( 2016 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 19 ) The nineteenth series began on 9 October 2016 with a The Only Way Is Marbs special. Ahead of the series it was confirmed that former cast member Lauren Goodger would be making her return to the series having previously appeared during the first to the sixth series, and then again during the 2015 Essexmas special. This is the first series not to include Billie Faiers, after it was announced she had quit the show. It includes the first appearances of new cast members Ben Shenel and Ercan Ramadan. Mario Falcone and Frankie Essex also made a surprise one - off return to the series during the final episode of the series to celebrate Chloe Sims 's 35th birthday. Love Island winners Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde both made another guest appearance during the eighth episode. Original cast member James Argent was also absent for most of this series due to him taking a break from the show. A further two Essexmas specials aired in December 2016, where Danni announced her departure from the series. Series 20 ( 2017 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 20 ) The twentieth series began on 5 March 2017 with the cast heading to Tenerife, and concluded on 3 May 2017 after eighteen episodes, making this the longest series to date. Ahead of the series it was announced that James Argent had taken a break from the series having only appeared in the first half of the previous series. It was also announced that Mario Falcone, Jamie Reed and Charlie King would all be returning to the series. Lauren Pope also made a return to the series during the final episode, and Fran Parman also made a brief return during this episode. This was the first series to include new cast members Amber Turner, Myles Barnett, Yazmin Oukhellou, Jack Rigden, Jordan Brook and Jade Lewis. This was the final series to include cast members Ben Shenel and Ercan Ramadan, as well as Kate Wright who announced her departure ahead of the final episode. Series 21 ( 2017 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 21 ) The twenty - first series began on 10 September 2017 with the cast heading to Marbella, and concluded after seventeen episodes on 5 November 2017, making it the second longest series to date after it was confirmed that the lengths of each series would be extended. Ahead of the series it was announced that James Argent would be returning to the series following his break from the show. It was also confirmed that after making brief appearances during the previous series, Lauren Pope and Mario Falcone would be returning to the series as a full - time cast member. With this announcement, it was revealed that Mike Hassini would also be returning to the series having previously left the show after the eighteenth series. Former cast member Elliott Wright also made an appearance during the second episode of the series, whilst Vas J Morgan also returned to the show mid-way through the series. This was also the first series to include new cast members Ruby Lacey and Taylor Barnett. Former cast member Danielle Armstrong also made a brief return to the series, appearing in the Halloween special episode airing on 29 October 2017. During the series it was announced that Carol Wright had quit the show. A further Essexmas episode aired on 17 December 2017. Series 22 ( 2018 ) Main article : The Only Way Is Essex ( series 22 ) The twenty - second series is expected to begin in March 2018 with the cast heading to Barcelona. The series was confirmed on 21 December 2017, when it was announced that a further two series had been commissioned for 2018. It was also confirmed that the series will only air once a week unlike past series which aired twice a week. It was also announced that episode running times would be increased from 50 minutes to 60 minutes. Ahead of the series, it was confirmed that a number of cast members had been axed including Chris Clark, Amber Dowding, Mike Hassini, Jordan Brooks, Jack Rigden and Ruby Lacey. As well as this, Mario Falcone also confirmed that he would n't be returning to the show. New cast members for this series include Dean Ralph and Jordan Wright, who both previously appeared in the seventh series of Ex on the Beach, as well as Clelia Theodorou and Shelby Tribble. Cast Main article : List of The Only Way Is Essex cast members This is a list of main and supporting cast members currently appearing in the show. From series 1 -- 3, the main cast received star billing in the opening credits and were credited by their first names. Cast member Series Year James `` Arg '' Argent 1 -- 19, 21 -- 2010 -- 16, 2017 -- Lauren Pope 1 -- 16, 20 -- 2010 -- 15, 2017 -- Chloe Sims 2 -- 2011 -- Gemma Collins 2 -- 2011 -- James `` Diags '' Bennewith 4 -- 2012 -- Bobby - Cole Norris 4 -- 2012 -- Joan Collins 5 -- 12, 20 -- 2012 -- 14, 2017 -- James `` Lockie '' Lock 8 -- 2013 -- Georgia Kousoulou 11 -- 2014 -- Tommy Mallet 13 -- 2014 -- Dan Edgar 14 -- 2015 -- Chloe Lewis 14 -- 2015 -- Pete Wicks 15 -- 2015 -- Liam `` Gatsby '' Blackwell 16 -- 2015 -- Chloe Meadows 17 -- 2016 -- Courtney Green 17 -- 2016 -- Chris Clark 17 -- 2016 -- Jon Clark 17 -- 2016 -- Nathan Massey 18 -- 2016 -- Amber Turner 20 -- 2017 -- Myles Barnett 20 -- 2017 -- Yazmin Oukhellou 20 -- 2017 -- Clelia Theodorou 22 -- 2018 -- Dean Ralph 22 -- 2018 -- Jordan Wright 22 -- 2018 -- Shelby Tribble 22 -- 2018 -- Other appearances As well as appearing in The Only Way Is Essex, some of the cast members have competed in other reality TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother, I 'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here !, Let 's Sing and Dance, Splash !, Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Super Spa, The Jump, Tumble, Strictly Come Dancing, Get Your Act Together, Celebrity MasterChef, Dance Dance Dance and Love Island. Celebrity Big Brother Amy Childs -- Series 8 ( 2011 ) -- Fourth Kirk Norcross -- Series 9 ( 2012 ) -- Evicted Mario Falcone -- Series 12 ( 2013 ) -- Fifth Sam Faiers -- Series 13 ( 2014 ) -- Fifth Lauren Goodger -- Series 14 ( 2014 ) -- Evicted Gemma Collins -- Series 17 ( 2016 ) -- Evicted Lewis Bloor -- Series 18 ( 2016 ) -- Evicted I 'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here ! Mark Wright -- Series 11 ( 2011 ) -- Runner - up Joey Essex -- Series 13 ( 2013 ) -- Fourth Gemma Collins -- Series 14 ( 2014 ) -- Twelfth ( walked ) Ferne McCann -- Series 15 ( 2015 ) -- Third Let 's Sing and Dance Amy Childs and Harry Derbridge -- Series 4 ( 2012 ) -- Eliminated ( Heat 2 ) Splash ! Joey Essex -- Series 1 ( 2013 ) -- Eliminated ( Heat 2 ) Gemma Collins -- Series 2 ( 2014 ) -- Eliminated ( Heat 1 ) Dan Osborne -- Series 2 ( 2014 ) -- Fourth Dancing on Ice Lauren Goodger -- Series 8 ( 2013 ) -- Eleventh Celebrity Super Spa James `` Arg '' Argent -- Series 1 ( 2013 ) -- Eliminated The Jump Amy Childs -- Series 1 ( 2014 ) -- Thirteenth Joey Essex -- Series 2 ( 2015 ) -- Winner James `` Arg '' Argent -- Series 3 ( 2016 ) -- Tenth Lydia Bright -- Series 4 ( 2017 ) -- Sixth Tumble Lucy Mecklenburgh -- Series 1 ( 2014 ) -- Sixth Strictly Come Dancing Mark Wright -- Series 12 ( 2014 ) -- Fourth Get Your Act Together Elliott Wright -- Series 1 ( 2015 ) -- Eliminated ( Heat 4 ) Celebrity MasterChef Amy Childs -- Series 11 ( 2016 ) -- Eliminated Dance Dance Dance Jess Wright -- Series 1 ( 2017 ) -- Fourth Love Island Georgia Harrison -- Series 3 ( 2017 ) -- Dumped Reception The genre of `` scripted reality '' has attracted much criticism for a lack of authenticity, or indeed outright deception ( see article on reality television ). The show has been criticised for its negative and stereotypical representation of Essex, and there have been a number of complaints to ITV2. Some Essex residents felt it was not a true representation of the area and the people who live there. Kirk Norcross responded to this criticism by saying, `` We are all from Essex, so this is Essex. It 's not acting. It 's not like they 've got people from America and said ' Right, act like you think you know where Essex is. ' We are Essex people so what you 're watching is Essex. '' In April 2011, it was reported that Big Brother 8 winner Brian Belo intended to sue the makers of The Only Way Is Essex -- claiming they `` stole his idea ''. Belo was in the original pilot of the show -- provisionally titled Totally Essex -- alongside current stars Mark Wright, Sam Faiers, Kirk Norcross and Amy Childs. Belo plans to sue his former manager and Lime Productions, which makes the show, for lost earnings of up to £ 100,000 a series. The Sun reported that Belo had spent the previous two years working on an idea for a United Kingdom version of The Hills, with his manager successfully pitching the pilot to Lime Productions. After not making the cast list, Belo believed he might be involved in producing the show, but was `` cut '' from the production entirely. Series 1 title card with the original cast members including Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs ( 2010 ) On 24 October 2011, it was reported that sisters Sam and Billie Faiers had been attacked by a group of girls on a night out : `` The sisters were first targeted inside the club when the girls made off with Billie 's handbag... When they left, the gang followed them back to Essex. '' An insider also commented saying `` Both Sam and Billie later went to A&E to get checked out. They are fine now, just a bit shocked, although Sam has been left with two black eyes. '' A video of the attack leaked online a day later. The aftermath of the attack was aired during series 3 episode 10. In May 2012, it was reported that original cast member Lauren Goodger had fallen out with the show 's director for her bad timekeeping on set and her diva demands. Goodger appeared in the first four episodes of series 5, and was suspended from appearing in the show, however on 18 May 2012, it was confirmed that the issues had been resolved and that Goodger would be returning to the programme. Goodger returned in episode 9 and her absence from the show was not mentioned on screen. On 1 December 2012, it was reported that X Factor finalist Rylan Clark would appear on the TOWIE Live special episode and later return as a full - time cast member in 2013. Mario Falcone reacted to the rumours by saying, `` If he comes on Monday 's live show, that 's fine because it 's all for charity, but if he comes on TOWIE as a main character, I 'll leave. We hate him. He 's a douche bag. '' Kirk Norcross commented, `` I 've met Rylan before and he 's actually a really nice boy but when people think of Essex they just think of the abbreviation, the ' Shut - up ', the ' Oh my god ' - that was all Amy Childs and we do n't want that. '' On 3 December, following Falcone and Norcross 's comments, Clark pulled out of his one - off appearance for the live episode, later saying : `` TOWIE 's a great programme and I wish them all the best of luck, but I ca n't do the show because I 've got commitments to the X Factor tour and I 've got to be in rehearsals. I 've never met Mario in my life, so I find it very unprofessional and ungentlemanly for him to go around talking about people he has n't even met, Anyone who cheats on his girlfriend that much is n't worth my time. '' The live episode was called `` an utter car crash '' and `` possibly the worst TV show ever ''. Production The show is filmed just a few days in advance, and is narrated by Denise van Outen, who is a native of the Essex town of Basildon. The first series ran initially for four weeks, airing every Wednesday and Sunday. The show has been described by the Daily Mirror as Britain 's answer to The Hills and Jersey Shore. Series 2 began on 20 March 2011, once again airing every Wednesday and Sunday, but with longer episodes than Series 1. Series 2 also saw the departure of original cast member Amy Childs. The second series consisted of 14 episodes, ending on 4 May 2011. The series returned for a third series on 25 September 2011 and was the final series to feature two of the original cast members Mark Wright whose departure was seen in the final episode while Kirk Norcross departed off - screen like Childs. The series ended on 9 November 2011. On 2 December 2011, it was revealed that many of the cast would not be returning for the fourth series in 2012 but would feature in the 2011 Christmas Special. The fourth series began in January 2012. Digital Spy reported that the series had been renewed for a further four series following the Christmas Special and would air four 10 - episode runs in 2012. On 11 January it was reported that 12 new characters would be joining the cast. Fresh out of Essex Fresh Out of Essex was a set of mini online 5 -- 12 minute episodes that were uploaded onto the official website when the series was off air. 35 mini-episodes were uploaded, with two series airing in 2012. The series has not returned. Music In December 2011 the show 's current cast released a cover of the Wham ! classic Last Christmas, with their own unique version of the show 's theme song ' The Only Way Is Up ' as the single 's B - side. The version used on the show, by Yazz, spent five weeks at number one in 1988. All profits from the single go to Text Santa, a major new charity initiative set up by ITV, which aims to raise money and awareness for a group of charities, including Crisis, Samaritans and Great Ormond Street Hospital. The official video for the single premiered on 1 December at 11 pm on ITV2 and featured Jess Wright taking lead vocals alongside Lauren and Gemma. The video shows the current cast from series 3 singing in the studio with clips of the Lauren, Mark and Lucy love triangle from series 1. Half of the current cast, including main singers on the single Jessica Wright and James Argent, performed the single on the final episode of the Text Santa TV series. Singles Artist Single Year Peak chart positions Album UK SCO IRE NED Joey Essex `` Reem '' 2011 -- -- -- -- non-album singles Cast of Series 3 `` Last Christmas '' 33 43 -- -- Jess Wright `` Dance All Night '' 2012 36 26 -- -- TBA `` Dominos '' 2013 -- -- -- -- non-album single Megan McKenna `` High Heeled Shoes '' 2017 43 9 TBA TBA TBA `` Far Cry from Love '' 52 13 TBA TBA Joey Essex Presents Essex Anthems Joey Essex Presents Essex Anthems is a 60 - song compilation album of dance tracks selected by Joey Essex, released on 17 March 2014. show Disc One No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` Rather Be '' ( The Magician Remix ) Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne 2. `` Everything You Never Had ( We Had It All ) '' Breach featuring Andreya Triana 3. `` Look Right Through '' ( MK Vocal Edit ) Storm Queen 4. `` Need U ( 100 % ) '' ( Radio Edit ) Duke Dumont featuring A * M * E 5. `` Rattle '' Bingo Players 6. `` Shot Me Down '' ( Extended ) David Guetta featuring Skylar Grey 7. `` Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat '' ( Calvin Harris Remix ) Fatboy Slim and Riva Starr featuring Beardyman 8. `` Summertime Sadness '' ( Cedric Gervais Remix ) Lana Del Rey vs. Cedric Gervais 9. `` Levels '' Avicii 10. `` Animals '' Martin Garrix 11. `` This Is What It Feels Like '' ( UK Radio Edit ) Armin van Buuren featuring Trevor Guthrie 12. `` Million Voices '' Otto Knows 13. `` Hello '' Martin Solveig and Dragonette 14. `` I Need Your Love '' Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding 15. `` I Love It '' Icona Pop featuring Charli XCX 16. `` Dirty Talk '' ( Laidback Luke Remix ) Wynter Gordon 17. `` Higher ( Free ) '' ( Steve Smart & Westfunk Remix ) All About She 18. `` Paradise '' ( Fedde le Grand Remix ) Coldplay 19. `` Locked Out of Heaven '' ( Sultan and Ned Shepard Remix ) ( Radio Edit ) Bruno Mars 20. `` Miami 2 Ibiza '' Swedish House Mafia vs. Tinie Tempah show Disc Two No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` Trumpets '' Jason Derulo 2. `` Pass Out '' ( Radio Edit ) Tinie Tempah 3. `` Waiting All Night '' Rudimental featuring Ella Eyre 4. `` Antenna '' ( UK Radio Edit ) Fuse ODG 5. `` Do n't Stop the Party '' Pitbull featuring TJR 6. `` Beautiful People '' Chris Brown featuring Benny Benassi 7. `` Infinity 2008 '' ( Klaas Remix ) Guru Josh Project 8. `` Good Feeling '' Flo Rida 9. `` Riverside '' Sidney Samson 10. `` Let the Bass Kick in Miami Girl '' ( Radio Mix ) Chuckie and LMFAO 11. `` Heatwave '' Wiley featuring Ms D 12. `` Re-Rewind '' Artful Dodger featuring Craig David 13. `` Gotta Get Thru This '' Daniel Bedingfield 14. `` Jack '' Breach 15. `` Let Me Show You ' 99 '' K - Klass 16. `` Dirty Cash ( Money Talks ) '' ( Sold Out 7 '' Edit ) The Adventures of Stevie V 17. `` Rhythm of the Night '' ( Original Radio Version ) ( UK Edit ) Corona 18. `` Anthem '' N - Joi 19. `` U Sure Do '' Strike 20. `` Do n't You Want Me '' Felix show Disc Three No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` We No Speak Americano '' ( UK Radio Edit ) Yolanda Be Cool vs. DCUP 2. `` Barbra Streisand '' Duck Sauce 3. `` Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit '' ( Radio Edit ) Fedde le Grande 4. `` Ca n't Get Blue Monday Out of My Head '' Kylie Minogue 5. `` Show Me Love '' Steve Angello and Laidback Luke featuring Robin S. 6. `` Missing '' ( Todd Terry Remix ) Everything but the Girl 7. `` You Do n't Know Me '' ( Radio Edit ) Armand Van Helden 8. `` The Bomb '' The Bucketheads 9. `` Dreamer '' Livin ' Joy 10. `` Push the Feeling On '' ( The Dub of Doom ) Nightcrawlers 11. `` Where Love Lives '' Alison Limerick 12. `` The Weekend '' ( Radio Edit ) Michael Gray 13. `` Turn Around '' ( Radio Edit ) Phats & Small 14. `` I Luv U Baby '' ( Dancing Divaz 1995 Club Mix ) The Original 15. `` Love Generation '' Bob Sinclar 16. `` Love on My Mind '' ( Sharp Boys House Dub Mix ) Freemasons 17. `` Sound of Eden '' Shades of Rhythm 18. `` Let Me Be Your Fantasy '' Baby D 19. `` Dreaming '' ( Ruff Driverz Ruff Radio Edit ) Ruff Driverz Presents Arrola 20. `` Call on Me '' Eric Prydz The Only Way Is Marbs -- Marbella Sessions The Only Way Is Marbs -- Marbella Sessions is a 61 - song compilation album released 23 June 2014 to coincide with the start of series 12 which saw the return of The Only Way Is Marbs. The album is mixed by Lauren Pope. show Disc One No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` Jubel ( Original Mix ) '' Klingande 2. `` Extraordinary ( Klingande Remix ) '' Clean Bandit featuring Sharna Bass 3. `` Ready for Your Love '' Gorgon City featuring MNEK 4. `` I Love You '' Mark Wells 5. `` If U Got It ( Mark Knight Remix Radio Edit ) '' Chris Malinchak 6. `` Come On Now ( Set It Off ) ( Radio Edit ) '' Tube & Berger and Juliet Sikora 7. `` Shake That ( Radio Edit ) '' Dansson and Marlon Hoffstadt 8. `` Ey Yo '' Kant 9. `` Bassline ( Main Mix ) '' Gotsome featuring The Get Along Gang 10. `` Reverse Skydiving ( Shadow Child Remix ) '' Hot Natured featuring Anabel Englund 11. `` My Love '' Route 94 featuring Jess Glynne 12. `` Powerless ( MK Remix ) '' Rudimental featuring Becky Hill 13. `` Everything You Never Had ( We Had It All ) '' Breach featuring Andreya Triana 14. `` Dance With Me ( MK Remix ) '' Le Youth featuring Dominique Young Unique 15. `` Sonnentanz ( Sun Do n't Shine ) '' Klangkarussell 16. `` No Eyes ( Radio Edit ) '' Claptone featuring Jaw 17. `` Lonely ( DJ S.K.T. Remix Extended Mix ) '' La La Land 18. `` Crossing Boarders ( Pleasurekraft Remix ) '' Booka Shade featuring Kalkbrenner 19. `` Into the Blue ( Vanilla Ace Remix ) '' Kylie Minogue 20. `` Come With Me ( Radio Mix ) '' Nora En Pure show Disc Two No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` A Sky Full of Stars '' Coldplay 2. `` How I Feel ( Special Features Radio Mix ) '' Flo Rida 3. `` Take Me Home ( Extended Mix ) '' Cash Cash featuring Bebe Rexha 4. `` Bad ( Radio Edit ) '' David Guetta and Showtek featuring Vassy 5. `` Animals '' Martin Garrix 6. `` Gecko ( Radio Edit ) '' Oliver Heldens 7. `` Wizzard ( Tchami Remix ) '' Martin Garrix and Jay Hardway 8. `` Come Alive ( Le Youth Remix ) '' Chromeo featuring Toro Y Moi 9. `` Trill Me ( Riva Starr Remix ) '' Junior Jack 10. `` Hope '' Alex Metric and Oliver 11. `` Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat ( Calvin Harris Remix ) '' Fatboy Slim and Riva Starr featuring Beardyman 12. `` Dirty Talk ( Laidback Luke Remix ) '' Wynter Gordon 13. `` Under Control '' Calvin Harris and Alesso featuring Hurts 14. `` Dare You ( Radio Edit ) '' Hardwell featuring Matthew Koma 15. `` Hey Now ( Arty Remix ) '' London Grammar 16. `` Hard to Beat ( Axwell Mix ) ( Radio Edit ) '' Hard - Fi 17. `` Howl at the Moon ( Radio Edit ) '' Stadiumx and Taylr Renee 18. `` Locked Out of Heaven ( Cassette 's Answering Machine Mix ) '' Bruno Mars 19. `` You ( Tiësto vs. Twoloud Remix ) '' Glantis 20. `` Raise Your Hands ( Radio Edit ) '' Ummet Ozcan 21. `` Tsunami ( Jump ) ( Bill & Will Remix ) '' DVBBS & Borgeous featuring Tinie Tempah show Disc Three No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` Rather Be ( All About She Remix ) '' Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne 2. `` I Follow Rivers ( The Magician Remix ) '' Lykke Li 3. `` Infinity ( Radio Edit ) '' Infinity Ink 4. `` Jack '' Breach 5. `` What Might I Do ( Radio Edit ) '' Ben Pearce 6. `` American Dream ( Andre Crom & Chi Thanh Remix ) '' Jakatta 7. `` At Night ( Kid Creme Remix ) '' Shakedown 8. `` Disco 's Revenge ( Mole Hole Dirty Mix ) '' Gusto 9. `` Salsoul Nugget ( If U Wanna ) ( M&S Radio Version ) '' M&S Present... The Girl Next Door 10. `` Love On My Mind ( Sharp Boys House Dub Mix ) '' Freemasons 11. `` Big Love ( The Dronez Mix ) '' Peter Heller 's Big Love 12. `` Push the Feeling On ( The Dub of Doom ) '' Nightcrawlers 13. `` Sugar Is Sweeter ( Armand 's Drum ' n ' Bass Mix Edit ) '' C.J. Bolland 14. `` Professional Widow ( Armand Van Helden 's Star Trunk Mix ) ( Radio Edit ) '' Tori Amos 15. `` Soin Spin Sugar ( Armand 's Dark Garage Mix ) '' Sneaker Pimps 16. `` I Feel Love ( Raf Zone Mix ) '' CRW 17. `` Missing ( Todd Terry Remix ) '' Everything But the Girl 18. `` You and I ( Deadmau5 Radio Edit ) '' Medina 19. `` Boom Boom ( Heartbeat ) ( Radio Edit ) '' Ray Foxx featuring Rachel K Collier 20. `` Show Me Love ( Extended Mix ) '' Steve Angello and Laidback Luke featuring Robin S. The Only Way Is Essex -- Dance Anthems The Only Way Is Essex -- Dance Anthems is a 61 - song compilation album due to be released 13 October 2014 The album is the second to be mixed by Lauren Pope. show Disc One No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` Am I Wrong '' Nico & Vinz 4 : 07 2. `` Waves '' ( Robin Schulz Radio Edit ) Mr Probz 3 : 27 3. `` Prayer in C '' ( Robin Schulz Radio Edit ) Lillywood & Robin Schulz 3 : 09 4. `` Pushing On '' ( Radio Edit ) Oliver $ & Jimi Jules 2 : 41 5. `` Gecko ( Overdrive ) '' ( DJ S.K.T Remix ) Oliver Heldens & Becky Hill 4 : 25 6. `` I Wanna Feel '' ( Radio Edit ) Secondcity 5 : 18 7. `` Always '' MK featuring Alana 6 : 14 8. `` Benediction '' Hot Natured 6 : 39 9. `` I Got U '' ( MK Remix ) Duke Dumont featuring Jax Jones 7 : 17 10. `` Right Here '' ( Skream Remix ) Jess Glynne 8 : 40 11. `` Ey Yo '' KANT vs. MK 6 : 16 12. `` Here for You '' Gorgon City featuring Laura Welsh 3 : 50 13. `` You Know the Words '' ( Devolution Remix ) Wiley 6 : 12 14. `` Push the Feeling On 2014 '' Nightcrawlers vs. DJ S.K.T 4 : 20 15. `` Sing That Song '' TIEKS featuring Celeste 2 : 59 16. `` Higher Ground '' ( KANT Remix ) Blonde featuring Charli Taft 6 : 13 17. `` Freedom '' ( Route 94 Remix ) Grades 4 : 47 18. `` Kisses for Breakfast '' ( Ill Blu Remix ) Melissa Steel featuring Popcaan 5 : 01 19. `` Never Say Never '' ( Mark Knight Remix ) Basement Jaxx 7 : 10 20. `` Own Up '' ( Ben Pearce Remix ) Motez 5 : 13 21. `` Sunlight '' ( Radio Edit ) The Magician featuring Years and Years 3 : 13 show Disc Two No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` Lovers on the Sun '' David Guetta featuring Sam Martin 3 : 23 2. `` A Sky Full of Stars '' ( Hardwell Remix ) Coldplay 5 : 13 3. `` Sing '' ( Syn Cole Remix ) Ed Sheeran 4 : 45 4. `` Wasted '' ( TST Remix ) Tiësto featuring Matthew Koma 4 : 35 5. `` C.U.B.A '' Calvin Harris 4 : 26 6. `` Changes '' ( Stefan Dabruck Remix ) Faul & Wad Ad vs. Pnau 6 : 00 7. `` Come Over '' ( Cahill Remix ) Clean Bandit featuring Stylo G 3 : 02 8. `` Fancy '' ( Riddim Commission Remix ) Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX 4 : 40 9. `` Boom Clap '' ( Cahill Remix ) Charli XCX 5 : 28 10. `` Heart Weighs a Ton '' Alex Metric featuring Stefan Storm 3 : 41 11. `` Lightning '' ( Sex Panther Remix ) Cash Cash featuring John Rzeznik 6 : 24 12. `` Twisted '' ( Extended Mix ) Fedde le Grand 5 : 06 13. `` AnyTime '' ( Extended Mix ) Don Diablo 4 : 33 14. `` One More Day ( Stay with Me ) '' ( Extended Mix ) Example 5 : 00 15. `` Way We Are '' Kove featuring Melissa Steel 3 : 21 16. `` You '' ( Moska Remix ) Galantis 6 : 39 17. `` Fix Me '' Swanky Tunes featuring Raign 5 : 16 18. `` Tremor '' Dimitri Vegas, Martin Garrix & Like Mike 3 : 12 19. `` Ping Pong '' ( Radio Edit ) Armin van Buuren 2 : 58 20. `` Come with Me ( We Are One 2014 ) '' ( Paul van Dyk Festival Mix ) Paul van Dyk & Ummet Ozcan 5 : 25 show Disc Three No. Title Artist ( s ) Length 1. `` Lola 's Theme '' ( Extended Vocal Mix ) The Shapeshifters 6 : 55 2. `` Sing It Back '' ( Boris Dlugosch Mix ) Moloko 4 : 27 3. `` Calabria '' ( Original ) Rune 7 : 35 4. `` Needin ' U '' David Morales Presents The Face 7 : 53 5. `` Salsoul Nugget ( If U Wanna ) '' ( M&S Radio Version ) M&S Presents... The Girl Next Door 3 : 29 6. `` Want Love '' ( Original Radio Edit ) Hysteric Ego 3 : 33 7. `` U Do n't Know Me '' ( Radio Edit ) Armand Van Helden featuring Duane Harden 3 : 20 8. `` Get Get Down '' ( Original Mix ) Paul Johnson 6 : 32 9. `` Love Do n't Let Me Go ( Walking Away ) '' David Guetta vs. The Egg 3 : 11 10. `` Sun Is Shining '' Funkstar De Luxe 3 : 53 11. `` I Luv U Baby '' The Original 6 : 43 12. `` Say Say Say ( Waiting 4 U ) '' ( Hi_Tack Remix ) Hi_Tack 8 : 03 13. `` Out of Touch '' ( Radio Mix ) Uniting Nations 2 : 48 14. `` Bromance '' ( Avicii 's Arena Mix ) Tim Berg 8 : 15 15. `` Million Voices '' Otto Knows 3 : 25 16. `` Miami 2 Ibiza '' ( Radio Edit ) Swedish House Mafia vs. Tinie Tempah 2 : 47 17. `` Lies '' ( Otto Knows Remix Radio Edit ) Burns 3 : 48 18. `` Infinity 2008 '' ( Klaas Remix ) Guru Josh Project 6 : 29 19. `` Greece 2000 '' ( Original Mix ) Three Drives on a Vinyl 8 : 02 20. `` Touch Me '' ( Radio Edit ) Rui da Silva featuring Cassandra 3 : 26 show iTunes bonus tracks No. Title Length 62. `` The Only Way Is Essex -- Dance Anthems ( Continuous Mix 1 ) '' 1 : 19 : 52 63. `` The Only Way Is Essex -- Dance Anthems ( Continuous Mix 2 ) '' 1 : 18 : 43 64. `` The Only Way Is Essex -- Dance Anthems ( Continuous Mix 3 ) '' 1 : 19 : 41 DVD releases Series Date released No. of episodes No. of discs Special features The Complete First Series 28 March 2011 11 2010 Christmas Special The Complete Second Series 26 September 2011 14 Chapter Selections The Complete Third Series 20 January 2012 15 2011 Christmas Special The Complete Fourth Series 7 May 2012 10 Chapter Selections The Complete Fifth Series 1 October 2012 11 The Only Way Is Marbs Special The Complete Sixth Series 8 October 2012 10 Chapter Selections The Complete Seventh Series 18 February 2013 11 1 episode of 2012 Christmas Special International broadcasts Series 1 - 17 have been shown in Australia on LifeStyle You channel on Foxtel, and Series 1 - 4 have been shown in New Zealand on LifeStyle You channel on Sky TV. Series 1 -- 20 are available in the United States on video - on - demand site Hulu. The show airs in Israel on yes Drama. Series 1 - 5 has been showing in South Africa ( June 2013 - June 2014 ). Series 17 began broadcasting on UTV Ireland on 18 April 2016. See also Television in the United Kingdom portal It 's All About Amy Mark Wright 's Hollywood Nights Educating Joey Essex There 's Something About Megan References Jump up ^ https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/the-only-way-is-essex/1259305/towie-series-22-2018-cast-spoilers-return-when-on-weekly-episodes-day-cull-axe-only-way-is-essex Jump up ^ `` Grace Dent 's TV OD ''. The Guardian. 23 October 2010. ^ Jump up to : Huddson, Polly ( 10 December 2010 ). `` The Only Way Is Essex : Our guide to the jaw - dropping new TV show ''. Daily Mirror. Jump up ^ Jeffrey, Morgan ( 12 February 2014 ). `` ITV announces new channel ITVBe, exclusive new home of TOWIE ''. Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 12 February 2014. Jump up ^ `` PICTURES ! The Only Way Is Essex cast 2017 - who 's on the show ! ''. 5 March 2017. Jump up ^ https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5187203/the-only-way-is-essex-series-22-is-confirmed-but-show-announces-it-will-only-air-once-a-week-in-2018/ Jump up ^ Eriksen, Alanah ( 23 January 2012 ). `` There 's a new Captain in Essex : Ricky Rayment will be TOWIE 's leading man... but he 's no Mark Wright ''. Daily Mail. London. Jump up ^ `` The Only Way Is Marbs pictures see TOWIE stars show off bikini bodies ''. Metro. Jump up ^ `` ' The Only Way Is Essex ' renewed for four more series ''. Digital Spy. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2012. Jump up ^ `` TOWIE stars to face axe unless they stop being boring ! ''. TellyMix. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012. Jump up ^ `` Lucy Mecklenburgh on Twitter ''. Twitter. Jump up ^ `` Kirk Norcross on Twitter ''. Twitter. Jump up ^ `` Debbie Towie on Twitter ''. Twitter. Jump up ^ Radio Times staff. `` The Only Way is Essex series 9 air date revealed ''. RadioTimes. Jump up ^ Gary Lineker 's brother Wayne joins ' The Only Way is Essex ' Digital Spy Jump up ^ `` ' The Only Way Is Vegas ' date confirmed ''. Digital Spy. Jump up ^ `` The Only Way Is Essex return date confirmed for June 14 on ITVBe - The Only Way Is Essex ''. TellyMix. Jump up ^ `` ITV renews The Only Way Is Essex for a further six series ''. Digital Spy. Jump up ^ `` Ricky Rayment is taking a break from TOWIE by mutual agreement with producers ''. Digital Spy. Jump up ^ `` Mario Falcone has been suspended from TOWIE for the second time ''. Digital Spy. Jump up ^ Harry Fletcher. `` ITV renews The Only Way Is Essex for a further six series ''. Digital Spy. Jump up ^ Halina Watts ( 17 August 2015 ). `` Gemma Collins quits TOWIE again - and this time she means it ''. mirror. Jump up ^ `` The Only Way Is Essex 2016 start date confirmed ''. TellyMix. Jump up ^ `` Jess Wright quits The Only Way Is Essex after five years ''. TellyMix. Jump up ^ `` Ferne McCann is taking a break from The Only Way Is Essex ''. TellyMix. Jump up ^ `` Meet TOWIE 's newbies Chloe Meadows and Courtney Green ''. TellyMix. Jump up ^ `` Love Island 's Jon Clark joins The Only Way Is Essex ''. TellyMix. Jump up ^ `` OMG ! Amy Childs and Gemma Collins WILL appear in the 200th episode of The Only Way Is Essex ''. Jump up ^ `` Megan McKenna is joining The Only Way Is Essex ''. TellyMix. Jump up ^ `` The Only Way Is Essex celebrates its landmark 200th episode this Sunday - The Only Way Is Essex - TellyMix ''. TellyMix. Jump up ^ `` TOWIE return date ! The Only Way Is Mallorca to air Sunday, 17 July at 10pm ''. Jump up ^ Walker, Danny ( 17 July 2016 ). `` The Only Way is Essex in Mallorca sizzles as cast gossip about Pete and Megan ''. Jump up ^ `` Jake Hall WON 'T be returning to TOWIE ''. 15 July 2016. Jump up ^ `` Jess Wright is spotted filming for TOWIE with co-star Bobby Norris ''. Jump up ^ `` TOWIE : Chris Clark 's girlfriend Amber joins the show ''. 13 July 2016. Jump up ^ `` Love Island winners Nathan and Cara film TOWIE guest appearance ''. ^ Jump up to : `` TOWIE 's Billie says goodbye to reality show ''. Jump up ^ `` Suitcases at the ready, we 're going to Marbs ! ''. itv.com. Jump up ^ `` Lauren Goodger CONFIRMS her return to TOWIE ''. Jump up ^ `` Digital Spy - Showbiz news, showbiz pictures, showbiz interviews ''. Digital Spy. Jump up ^ Harris, Niomi ( 7 November 2016 ). `` The Only Way Is Essex : Mario Falcone and Frankie Essex make shock RETURN for finale ''. Jump up ^ Minn, Hayley ( 3 November 2016 ). `` TOWIE : Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey announce they 're ' getting a baby ' ''. ^ Jump up to : `` Towie 's James ' Arg ' Argent ' on a break ' from hit ITVBe show to work on his ' wellbeing ' ''. 3 February 2017. Jump up ^ `` When is The Only Way Is Essex Christmas special on ITV and who is in it ? ''. 16 December 2016. Jump up ^ `` Danielle Armstrong confirms Towie departure and closure over James Lock ''. 20 December 2016. Jump up ^ Harris, Niomi ( 30 January 2017 ). `` Pete Wicks and Megan McKenna arrive in Tenerife amid split rumours ''. ^ Jump up to : `` PICTURES ! The Only Way Is Essex cast 2017 - who 's on the show ! ''. 5 March 2017. Jump up ^ `` Mario Falcone returns to Towie 18 months after quitting the show ''. 15 February 2017. Jump up ^ Storey, Katie ( 10 February 2017 ). `` TOWIE : Frankie Essex 's ex RETURNS to show after explosive showdown ''. Jump up ^ Minn, Hayley ( 17 March 2017 ). `` Charlie King confesses fears of facing ex Gemma Collins as returns to TOWIE ''. Jump up ^ `` Lauren Pope returns to The Only Way Is Essex for explosive series finale ''. 3 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` All you need to know about series 20 of The Only Way Is Essex ''. 3 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` Who is Jack Rigden ? New The Only Way is Essex star who 's friends with Megan McKenna - all you need to know ''. 3 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` Who is Jordan Brook ? New The Only Way is Essex star who 's friends with Megan McKenna - all you need to know ''. 3 May 2017. Jump up ^ Dear, Alice ( 21 April 2017 ). `` TOWIE 's Jade Lewis set for a very AWKWARD showdown ? ''. Jump up ^ Minn, Hayley ( 20 April 2017 ). `` Kate Wright quits TOWIE after being linked to Rio Ferdinand ''. Jump up ^ http://www.tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-only-way-is-essex/328215-way-essex-back-towies-new-series-back-september.html Jump up ^ http://www.ok.co.uk/tv/the-only-way-is-essex/1166654/the-only-way-is-essex-series-21-start-date-confirmed-new-trailer-cast-megan-pete-towie-marbella Jump up ^ `` PICTURES ! The Only Way Is Essex cast 2017 - who 's on the show ! Gallery, The Only Way Is Essex ''. TellyMix.co.uk. 2017 - 03 - 05. Retrieved 2017 - 07 - 15. Jump up ^ Rose Hill. `` TOWIE 's James Argent thanks This Morning for welcoming him back after rehab stint as he opens up about ' brutal ' experience on Celebs Go Dating ''. Mirror Online. Retrieved 2017 - 09 - 02. Jump up ^ http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/news/g24842/towie-photos-arg-lauren-pope-mario-falcone-officially-back-the-only-way-is-essex/ Jump up ^ https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/4246816/taylor-barnett-the-only-way-is-essex-chloe-meadows/ Jump up ^ https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/4184640/towie-new-girls-ruby-lacey-maddie-hooper-marbella/ Jump up ^ http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a841737/towie-danielle-armstrong-return-halloween-special-james-locke/ Jump up ^ https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/the-only-way-is-essex/1201773/carol-wright-quits-towie-the-only-way-is-essex-mark-wright-daughter-jessica-itvbe-nanny-pat Jump up ^ https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/the-only-way-is-essex/1252131/the-only-way-is-essex-christmas-special-when-is-it-on-what-time-james-arg-argent-gemma-collins Jump up ^ https://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-only-way-is-essex/354238-way-essexs-new-series-swap-marbella-barcelona.html Jump up ^ https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5187203/the-only-way-is-essex-series-22-is-confirmed-but-show-announces-it-will-only-air-once-a-week-in-2018/ Jump up ^ https://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-only-way-is-essex/354728-way-essex-2018-cast-revealed-new-faces.html Jump up ^ http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-only-way-is-essex/news/a847320/mario-falcone-towie-exit-the-only-way-is-essex/ Jump up ^ https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5728069/towie-sign-up-two-new-single-castmembers-series-22/ Jump up ^ https://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-only-way-is-essex/354728-way-essex-2018-cast-revealed-new-faces.html Jump up ^ https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5785681/towie-set-for-massive-shake-up-as-they-sign-up-their-sexiest-girl-ever-glamour-model-clelia-theodorou-for-the-new-series/ ^ Jump up to : `` Sam Faiers defends The Only Way Is Essex ''. Music Rooms. 2010 - 10 - 19. Retrieved 2011 - 04 - 08. Jump up ^ Langley, William ( 2010 - 10 - 17 ). `` The Only Way is Essex : the worst address in England ? ''. The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 2011 - 04 - 08. Jump up ^ `` TV 's The Only Way Is Essex slammed as ' offensive ' ''. Ilford Recorder. 2010 - 10 - 11. Retrieved 2011 - 04 - 05. Jump up ^ `` ESSEX : ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex could set us back 20 years ''. This Is Total Essex. 14 October 2010. Archived from the original on 12 November 2010. Retrieved 5 April 2011. Jump up ^ `` The Only Way Is Essex was insultingly bad ''. Metro. 2010 - 10 - 20. Retrieved 2011 - 04 - 08. Jump up ^ `` The Only Way is Essex... ? ''. Alexandra 's Complaints of the Day. 2010 - 10 - 12. Retrieved 2011 - 04 - 08. Jump up ^ `` Only Way is Essex stars : We really do represent our area ''. London 24. 2011 - 03 - 11. Retrieved 2011 - 04 - 08. ^ Jump up to : `` Brian Belo : Essex was my idea, I 'm suing ''. The Sun. London. 2011 - 04 - 15. Retrieved 2011 - 04 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Brian Belo ' suing Only Way Is Essex makers ' ''. Digital Spy. 2011 - 04 - 15. Retrieved 2011 - 04 - 18. Jump up ^ `` ' Only Way Is Essex ' Sam Faiers, sister Billie ' attacked by girl gang ''. Digital Spy. 24 October 2011. Retrieved 2012 - 01 - 22. Jump up ^ `` TOWIE Cast Members In Rylan Quit Threat ''. MTV UK. Jump up ^ Hannah Hope, `` Your Ry - Q is too low for TOWIE : Rylan Clark quits show after Mario jibe '', Mirror, 3 December 2012. Jump up ^ Wardle, Hilary ( 1999 - 12 - 31 ). `` TV review : TOWIE Live - the only way is dire ''. Tv.uk.msn.com. Retrieved 2014 - 04 - 01. Jump up ^ 04 / 12 / 2012 10 : 16 GMT Updated : 04 / 12 / 2012 12 : 35 GMT ( 2012 - 12 - 04 ). `` TOWIE Live Review : Panned As The Worst TV Show Ever ( TWITTER REACTIONS ) ''. Huffingtonpost.co.uk. Retrieved 2014 - 04 - 01. Jump up ^ Martin, Laura ( 2012 - 12 - 04 ). `` TOWIE Live panned by viewers as the worst piece of TV ever ''. Mirror. Retrieved 2014 - 04 - 01. Jump up ^ `` Watch the new TWATS trailer - The Only Way Is Essex ''. Itv.com. Archived from the original on 18 January 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` ' Only Way Is Essex ' Sam Faiers, Kirk Norcross, Harry Derbidge axed ? - The Only Way Is Essex News - TV ''. Digital Spy. 2 December 2011. Retrieved 2012 - 01 - 22. Jump up ^ Hooton, Christopher ( 13 November 2011 ). `` TOWIE ' recommissioned for four more series ' ''. Metro. Jump up ^ `` ' The Only Way Is Essex ' : 12 new characters cast ? ''. Digital Spy. 11 January 2012. Retrieved 2012 - 01 - 22. Jump up ^ `` ' Only Way Is Essex ' stars confirm Christmas single ''. Digital Spy. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 2012 - 01 - 22. Jump up ^ `` Joey Essex Presents Essex Anthems : Amazon.co.uk : Music ''. Amazon.co.uk. Jump up ^ `` The Only Way Is Marbs - Marbella Sessions ( Box set ) ''. Amazon.co.uk. Jump up ^ `` iTunes - Music - The Only Way Is Essex - Dance Anthems by Various Artists ''. Apple iTunes UK. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Only Way Is Essex. The Only Way Is Essex at itv.com The Only Way Is Essex on IMDb The Only Way Is Essex Episodes Cast members Series list Series 1 Series 2 Series 3 Series 4 Series 5 Series 6 Series 7 Series 8 Series 9 Series 10 Series 11 Series 12 Series 13 Series 14 Series 15 Series 16 Series 17 Series 18 Series 19 Series 20 Series 21 Series 22 Related It 's All About Amy Mark Wright 's Hollywood Nights `` TOWIE Live '' Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Only_Way_Is_Essex&oldid=850527698 '' Categories : 2010s British reality television series 2010 British television programme debuts British reality television series Culture in Essex ITV reality television programmes Television shows set in Essex Television shows set in London English - language television programs Television series by All3Media The Only Way Is Essex Hidden categories : Use dmy dates from June 2012 Use British English from August 2011 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Cymraeg Français Simple English Edit links This page was last edited on 16 July 2018, at 13 : 03 ( UTC ). 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Question: how many series of the only way is essex are there
Answer: 22