Katie Wright hasn't quit 'The Only Way is Essex'.

Katie Wright

Katie Wright

The 26-year-old reality TV star sent her fans into a frenzy earlier this year when she announced she was turning her back on the ITVBe show - the programme that made her famous - after she struck up a relationship with sports pundit Rio Ferdinand but she's adamant her departure isn't for good.

She told Star magazine: "I haven't left officially. When I'm on the show I get very caught up in the drama, so it's just a long break for now. The door is always open to go back."

The blonde bombshell - who previously dated Dan Edgar on the show - has admitted she was spurred on to leave the programme because she was sick of the "drama" that came with it.

She said: "There's always a lot of drama and I'm trying to stay out of it and focus on other things. I love fitness and I'm launching a bikini range, so it's all coming together."

And, although she had no trouble talking to people when the cast were jetted off abroad for the specials, Katie rarely talks to any of her co-stars now that she's taking a break.

She added: "I don't see anyone from the show, to be honest. The only people I see are Tommy Mallett, Georgia Kousoulou, Amber Dowding and Lydia Bright. I don't stay in contact with anyone else because we were never great friends."

The door may have been left open for her to return but Katie has her sights set on 'Dancing On Ice' now that ITV have confirmed that it will be returning early next year following a reboot.

She said: "At the moment, I'm just focusing on me but I'm sure if an offer came in I'd consider it. I'd be rubbish at 'Strictly Come Dancing' because I have no rhythm, but I used to be a professional figure skater so I'd be good on 'Dancing on Ice'."