THE Only Way Is Essex returns in just a matter of days with plenty of new tears and rows.
The ITV2 reality show will be kicking off the new series with a cast getaway to Portugal to celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary.
And fans won't have to wait much longer as the series returns to our screens on Sunday 17 August on ITV2 and ITVX.
Viewers will be treated to a double dose of drama each week, with episodes airing at 9pm on both Sundays and Mondays.
A source said: "Ella [Rae-Wise] and Dan [Edgar] finally come face-to-face after her CBB stint, it's been an incredibly frosty few months and Dan has moved on, but Ella is keen to get some closure and wanted answers from Dan.
"The pair hashed things out and try to reach an agreement on how to move forward.
"Things also took a very emotional turn for Sammy and Elma.
"Their relationship was in tatters but they were desperate to find out what really went wrong.
"Sammy broke down in tears as he confessed what's really been going on and if he could see a way back for them.
"There are some very raw emotions, some of the most heartbreaking moments that have ever been aired."
Set against the backdrop of golden beaches and turquoise waters, the sizzling new series will kick off in Algarve.
There series is jam-packed with jaw-dropping moments and fiery showdowns between our Towie favourites.
But there will also be some of the rawest and "emotional scenes ever filmed for Towie", when Ella and Dan, and Sammy and Elma reunite.
Elsewhere, Freddie has sent WhatsApp messages to the group which has created friction and a build-up of tension.
As the gang reunite on the first day of the trip for a poolside party, things get headed and a fiery row leaves the group divided.
Rebecca Kenny-Smith, Creative Director, Unscripted, Objective Entertainment said: “We’re thrilled that The Only Way Is Essex is celebrating a phenomenal 15 years on screen and to be marking this monumental milestone by returning to our roots of ITV2, with two episodes a week.
"This series is filled with iconic moments and explosive confrontations.
"It will also feature some of the rawest reality we have ever shot and there are heartbreaking moments, as our cast navigate the emotional fallout of their relationships and bravely share their vulnerabilities.”
BIG MOVE
The cast flew out to film scenes in June and stayed at the five-star resort in the Algarve for a two-week trip.
The Westin Algarve was 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.
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.
With ITVBe now closing, the programme is returning to its original home on ITV2 from Autumn 2025.
Ahead of the move, TOWIE will be reverting to airing twice a week.
It will see a new midweek episode joining the usual Sunday instalment.
This was the show's original screening pattern but it reverted to one episode per week back in 2018.
A source said: “ITV want to make a big splash with the show returning to its original home on ITV2 with the closure of ITVBe.
"It’s one of their flagship shows and it’s still one of ITVX’s most streamed shows with 66 million streams in the last 12 months alone.
"Bosses think it’s high time the show was reinstated to airing twice a week, just like it did in its original heyday.
"It’s amazing news for fans who will be getting double their fix of drama, and the cast are thrilled too.
