TOWIE bosses have splashed £150,000 on a cast getaway to Portugal to celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary.
Fan favourites will fly out next month to stay at the five-star resort in the Algarve for a two-week trip.
However, one cast member’s place is under threat after angering show bosses.
Ella Rae Wise was blasted for dumping boyfriend Dan Edgar off-screen days before going on Celebrity Big Brother.
Although it’s expected she’ll make the journey, tensions have been high since the 26-year-old went “off-script” and left producers in the lurch.
A source told The Sun: “There’s going to be no expense spared on the Towie trip this year as the cast celebrate making it 15 years since its launch.
“The slap-up hotel will be a welcome change in location for the stars after the last dramatic series.
"There have been ongoing discussions about Ella going on the trip after she dumped Dan off-screen.
"It causes a major headache for producers who would have ideally wanted their split recorded instead of Celebrity Big Brother benefiting from the storyline.
"She'll still end up going on the trip but she's definitely ruffled feathers behind the scenes and has some making up to do."
Our show insider added: "It's gearing up to be one of the show's most extravagant overseas shoots to date.
"Fans are being promised big moments, bold fashion, and plenty of unexpected twists.
"The cast themselves are already in prep mode – from glam squad bookings and outfit fittings to storyline planning.
"There’s a real buzz building around this trip, and it’s clear the team are treating it as a major tentpole in the TOWIE calendar."
Filming is set to begin on June 6 in Portugal, with the entire cast being flown out for a two-week stay.
There will be a production team of over 95 people involved, making it one of the largest international operations the show has ever undertaken.
The Westin Algarve has been chosen as the cast’s base. The resort, that just opened with its five-star facilities, beachfront setting and high-end suites, is expected to serve as the glamorous backdrop for much of the upcoming drama.
Producers have also flown out ahead of schedule to scout the best beach clubs, bars, and party hotspots across the Algarve.
From luxury daybeds and DJ sets to sunset views and private lounges, every setting is being handpicked to deliver high-energy content and unforgettable scenes.
The team behind the show sees Portugal as the ideal location – glamorous, sunny and accessible with only a short 2.5 hour flight from the UK.
Ella upset Towie bosses when she blindsided Dan when she said their great sex life wasn’t enough of a reason to stay together.
It was rumoured she planned for a showmance with CBB co-star Chris Hughes but grew jealous in the house when he became fixated on JoJo Siwa.
Despite initially insisting their relationship is “platonic”, JoJo and Chris have fuelled speculation they are more than friends.
Series 36 is due to air later this year as it makes a return to ITV2 and ITVX.
