‘The Only Way is Essex’ summer special will be filmed in Barcelona this year.
Stars of the ITVBe reality series usually jet off to a luxury beachside resort in Marbella for the annual getaway, but The Sun Online reports that the cast will be heading to the Spanish city to get acquainted with the culture.
The 22nd episode will see the likes of Gemma Collins spend three days, between March 12 and March 14, in the city known for its stunning architecture and art.
However, there promises to be just as much drama in Barcelona as in Marbella, where things usually get pretty heated after the cast get boozed up on the Costa Del Sol.
Last year’s special saw the likes of Megan McKenna, Bobby Norris, Chloe Sims, Lauren Pope, Tommy Mallett and Georgia Kousoulou live it up in Marbella.
However, it was recently reported that couple Chris Clark and Amber Dowding and Mike Hassini are among stars of the show who have been given the axe.
It’s also believed Meghan and her ex-boyfriend Pete Wicks will not be heading to Barcelona after they broke up last October.
An insider said recently: "’TOWIE’ is like a revolving door and producers are always on the lookout for new face that can keep the show fresh.
"Chris and Amber have left the series as a couple who’ve just moved into an apartment together – and often being in a happy relationship doesn’t work for the show.
"Mike is also loved-up with a girlfriend off camera and has no real storylines to bring to the show but will continue to focus on his fitness and personal training."
It comes after Amber said she was sacked from the programme because she’s "happy" with Chris.
The 24-year-old reality TV star confirmed that she and her beau were among the seven cast mates to get the axe from the forthcoming series of the programme and, although she’s stressed she has nothing but "respect for the crew", she’s implied that producers decided to drop her because she had no exciting storylines to bring.
She said: "We had a meeting and it was a mutual feeling that it was time to move on. I’ve got nothing but respect for the cast and crew.
"Chris and I are in a really good place. We all come to a time in our lives when you’re looking for what is coming next. I’ll miss the people on the show, I have genuine friends on ‘TOWIE’. Like Tommy and Georgia – they’re my genuine friends. I’ll miss seeing them on screen but I see them all the time anyway. In fact, there’s nothing I won’t NOT miss, but I’m looking forward to what’s coming next."
The Only Way is Essex special moves from Marbella to Barcelona
