THE Only Way Is Essex cast have been left devastated after bosses made the tough decision to postpone the next series.
With the ever-changing coronavirus rules and regulations causing havoc for production staff, filming has now been pushed back until later in the year.
In a joint statement, ITV and Lime Pictures exclusively told The Sun: "Owing to ongoing challenges posed by Covid, the forthcoming series of The Only Way Is Essex will now be postponed until later in the year."
It's a major blow for the franchise and its stars who were gearing up to make the 30th series extra special.
But fans can expect big things when filming gets underway in the summer as we can reveal there will be a lavish drama-filled getaway.
A Towie source told The Sun: “The cast are obviously gutted as they were looking forward to getting back to filming.
"They were told the difficult news this evening but have been reassured it will be worth the wait once the show returns. The next series will be a must watch as everyone is desperate to make up for lost time."
Bosses are already looking ahead and are hopeful of shooting without social distancing when the cameras finally roll.
The past two years have been a big challenge for the show. In March 2020 it was forced to cancel a Tenerife trip just as the pandemic was starting to take hold across the globe.
Since then the popular ITVBe series has returned to screens but with strict coronavirus measures in place including social distancing.
Most read in Reality
tree-ting themselves! 
Billie and Greg Shepherd splash out £20k on TREES for their new home
CGD's Chloe Brockett goes on surprise date with Sir Captain Tom's grandson
Celebs Go Dating viewers stunned as Chloe Brockett's real age is revealed
Celebs Go Dating's Chloe Brockett gets nose filler to fix 'small bump'
It also underwent a huge shake-up with 10 cast members culled from the line-up in a bid to go back to basics.
Last week we revealed a Towie cruise could soon be on the cards after bosses trademarked a whole host of new products and services.
Documents show that included in the list is alcohol, travel including cruises, household utensils, furniture, gym and beauty products, clothes.
And fans will be able to travel in style as the list includes trunks and travelling bags; umbrellas and parasols, bags, handbags and luggage.
Towie could also branch out into home furnishings, as also covered under the new trademarks are pillows, cushions, bedding and towels.
Source: Read Full Article