Joey Essex thinks the upcoming ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ reunion needs him for big ratings.
The 29-year-old star – who appeared on the ITVBe programme from 2011 to 2013 – hasn’t signed up for the reality show’s 10-year reunion special yet, and he insisted he doesn’t see a way the celebratory episode "would work".
He told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "I can’t think how it would work.
"Realistically there is only one person who would make the show’s ratings go up and that’s Joey ‘Don’ Essex."
His comments come after ‘TOWIE’ star Pete Wicks revealed he’s love to see Joey back for a one-off, while Amy Childs is also on his list.
He recently admitted: "I would most like to see Joey Essex back. It would be great to have him back, I get on really well with Joe.
"Surely he’d be the one that most people would like to see back?
"Amy Childs is always a laugh, she’d be a good one to come back. Everyone has played their part in it over the years."
Amy is definitely on board, and she said this week she sees no reason why any of the original cast would turn down the chance to go back.
She explained: "I would 100 per cent go back. ‘TOWIE’ made me and it made a lot of us.
"The show changed all our lives. I know a few of the original cast are up for it. I don’t see why any of them would turn it down."
Meanwhile, Mark Wright – who starred in the first three ‘TOWIE’ series – hasn’t appeared on the show since 2012 Christmas special, but recent reports suggest he’s "given the green light" to a potential return.
A source previously said: "Mark and producers are in discussions and he’s excited to come back into the fold. It’s thought he may also film some scenes with his sister Jess Wright.
"It is early days but the former lothario has given the green light to a return for the very first time."
Joey Essex thinks TOWIE reunion needs him for ratings
