23 November 2023 , 16:41
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Fans of the ITVBe show The Only Way Is Essex are set to have their hopes dashed after ITV bosses have axed all plans for a Christmas special - for the second year running.
Viewers were left disappointed last year when it was confirmed that the Christmas edition of the series called The Only Way Is Essexmas, was not returning to screens. Confirmation of the scheduling shake-up was made by the show's star Ella Rae Wise during an Instagram Q&A with fans. She shared with fans: "Unfortunately not this year." Ella then added a series of broken heart emojis, illustrating her sadness.
TOWIE star Ella Rae Wise confirms news that the reality TV show Christmas special has been axed
Ella Rae Wise told fans of Christmas show axe on Instagram (Getty Images)Last year an insider told The Sun that this could have an impact on the future of the popular reality TV show. They told the publication: "They were all told that the scheduling didn't work out and the budget is being spent on other things, but it's left them all feeling really nervous about the future of the show. It's not a good sign for the series in general if bosses have decided it doesn't make financial sense to film the celebratory one-off."
The breakdown of Ella's friendship with Junaid Ahmed and Dani Imbert, left her wanting to quit the show while filming in Cyprus. When asked by a fan how filming was going, she replied saying: "It's hard but I'm being very brave. I've shocked myself with not going home to be honest."
The show's Christmas special is also a bitter blow for cast members who rely on it for additional work as it helps maintain their profile for other work, including endorsement deals. The show has propelled the careers of a number of stars including Sam and Billie Faiers, Mark Wright, Gemma Collins and Joey Essex over the years.
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Earlier this month, it was reported that Billie was heartbroken over her sister Sam's potential move to LA following the launch of her beauty brand Revive Collagen. According to sources, moving to LA is a dream for Sam due to the weather and the laid-back lifestyle.
But a source told OK!: "Of course, Billie will be upset and miss her they're incredibly close and Billie has always pictured their kids growing up together. But she knows how much it means to Sam, and she can always come back to visit, or they can fly out to LA for a holiday."
The source added: "Sam doesn't want to be tied down to the UK and just thinks, 'Why not?' She's very career-minded and if she wants to do something, she'll do it." Back in 2016 Sam announced a temporary move with her family on an episode of The Mummy Diaries. At the time, Billie criticised Sam for announcing the news on social media before telling her family first. She said: "It can be embarrassing when someone asks you about your family and you don't know anything about it but it's out there on social media."