'The Only Way is Essex' will return for another series next year - but it'll only air once a week.

Gemma Collins

Gemma Collins

The ITVBe show - which first hit television screens in 2010 - has been given the go-ahead for another instalment in 2018 but, rather than air Wednesdays and Sundays for 50 minutes like it always has done, bosses have decided to cut it down to a one-hour slot once a week.

Commissioner for Factual Entertainment at ITV, Amanda Stavri, said: "'TOWIE' has always been appointment to view television and we're excited that the new hour-long weekly episodes will allow us to build to a bigger, better and more dramatic moment each week."

It's believe producers have decided to make the change in order to keep the cast on screens for longer as fans usually have a long break before they see the stars again.

Sarah Tyekiff, Head of Non Scripted content for Lime Pictures, told The Sun newspaper: "We're thrilled that 'TOWIE' is returning for its 22nd series and can't wait to bring it back with a bang in the new year. We're returning to a fast-turnaround production so the audience can experience all the lols, make-ups and break-ups in real time. 'TOWIE' will also be on ITVBe for more weeks of the year meaning we get to indulge in our gorgeous and glamorous cast for that little bit longer. What happens in Essex, won't stay in Essex!"

And that's not the only change coming to the show next year as bosses have reportedly decided to get rid of some of the "boring" members of the cast - although Chloe Sims, Gemma Collins and James Locke are all said to be safe from the chop.

A source explained: "Gemma always pours her heart out on the show, and Chloe's had very emotional scenes this series. They don't hold back on camera and know that a bit of social media hate is part and parcel of being on a big show like 'TOWIE'. Lockie and [his then-girlfriend Danielle Armstrong] went through a miscarriage on camera. But some cast haven't been getting as much screen time and that puts them at risk. Producers want to reward the cast who make the show great, and get rid of the ones who don't."

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