'The Only Way Is Essex' bosses confirm cast cull

The Only Way Is Essex bosses have confirmed that the show is set for a shake-up following reports that 10 cast members are being axed.

The ITVBe programme, which launched the showbiz careers of the likes of Gemma Collins and Amy Childs, is set to return for a 29th series.

And according to The Sun, 10 cast members have been told they will no longer be regulars.

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While no names have been confirmed, TOWIE bosses have now said on Instagram: “After more than ten fabulous years following the lives of our ever-growing cast, TOWIE will be evolving with some changes.

“As it looks ahead to future series, the next instalment of our BAFTA award winning show returns to Essex to follow a smaller group of cast members.”

The caption went on: “This change allows our cast more time to film their real lives, showing more of their personal passions and professions, alongside their strong bonds and dynamics with family and friends.

“Those who won’t appear regularly on screen next series will always be part of the TOWIE family and we wholeheartedly thank them for sharing their lives with us in recent years.

"As always, their wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we will continue to offer welfare support if needed to all past and present TOWIE cast. We ask and urge all our viewers to think before commenting below, and remember that #ThesePeopleAreAllReal.

"Thank you to our audience for your continued support. #TOWIE will be back soon for its 29th series on @ITVBe, stay tuned for further announcements."

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TOWIE began airing in October 2010 on ITV2, before moving to ITVBe.

It has been a huge hit and in 2011 won the Audience Award at the BAFTAs.

Watch: Kate Ferdinand's stepchildren poke fun at her TOWIE stint