The cast of 'The Only Way is Essex' are reportedly having to "pitch" for their place in the summer special in Marbella this year as bosses want it to be explosive.
Megan McKenna
Only half of the show's stars get to jet to the luxury Spanish resort in August to film the once-a-year episode and they're not prepared to give up their spot without a fight.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Taking the crew and cast out to Marbella doesn't come cheap. Everyone knows it's a playground for the rich and famous and with the show in its seventh year it wants to make sure it stays as entertaining as possible.
"It's a free holiday to an amazing place so why wouldn't they want to go? And some need the show to maintain their careers."
Although producers still haven't made up their minds about who will be heading out to Marbella, Jade Lewis and Jamie Reed have confirmed they will be lapping up the sun in front of the cameras while getting stuck in to some juicy storylines this summer.
He told the publication: "Marbs is coming - we start filming in August.
"Me and Jade are going and we start all the talks in July and we go from there. And it's about what drama you bring, what's going on in your life and I'm sure I've got enough to bring to the table."
It's also thought Megan McKenna and Pete Wicks - who have enjoyed an fiery on/off relationship in front of the cameras over the past year - will be joining the couple in Marbella as they've just rekindled their romance for the sake of the show.
Jamie said of the pair: "They're back together.
"They are one of the couples that are always on and off and that's the way a lot of couples are. They're giving it a go for the sake of the show. 'The Only Way Is Essex' puts such a strain on relationships some people go backwards and not forwards."