‘The Only Way Is Essex’ has axed eight cast members, including Jon Clark, Myles Barnett, and Kady McDermott.
Producers of the ITVBe reality show have made the move to remove a whopping eight faces ahead of the show’s 24th series, as they make room in the programme for new stars.
Jon, Myles, and Kady will be joined by Jon’s brother Chris, Dean Ralph, Jordan Wright, Adam Oukhellou as the stars who are departing from the show.
A source told The Sun Online: "Towie bosses have had their biggest ever casting drive so far in the show’s history. Casting producers have been hanging out in all the top Essex hotspots like Sheesh to find the next generation of stars.
"As a result there will be some departures. Jon, Chris, Dean, Jordan, Myles and Kady have been told that they won’t be returning next series, although the door is always left open.
"Some of the stars have been told they’re departing before but have then come back."
For Jon – who has been on the show since 2016 – the decision comes as producers claim he has been struggling with the "intensity of the show" and needs a break, suggesting he may return in the future.
The insider added: "Jon has really struggled with the intensity of TOWIE. Since last series he’s really been working hard on getting himself into a good place and he’s mutually agreed with TOWIE producers that it’s best if he continues to take a break from the show."
Meanwhile, Myles was reportedly told to leave the show because he hasn’t got any "real friendships" following his split with Courtney, and his new girlfriend Kady – who had a showdown with Courtney last series – will also walk away from the programme.
A ‘TOWIE’ spokesperson said: "Every series we review our cast to ensure we’re following the lives of those who are most interesting and willing to share their real lives and relationship highs and lows.
"A number of cast have been notified that they’re not being contracted for the start of series 24 as we look to bring in some fresh new faces, however we’ve always maintained that cast can return as and when the timing is right for them and the show.
"It’s how TOWIE has stayed so fresh and exciting for nearly a decade.
"We remain grateful to every single cast member that has featured in TOWIE and contributed to its huge success."
The Only Way Is Essex axes eight cast members
