‘The Only Way is Essex’ bosses are trying to turn Jon and Chris Clark into an "Essex version" of unbreakable brothers Phil and Grant Mitchell from ‘EastEnders’.
The siblings have recently been reunited on screen after producers decided to bring Chris back to filming following his split from Amber Dowding – whom he was axed alongside earlier this year as part of a huge series shake up – and now they’re hoping that the duo will club together and carve out a relationship similar to the famous fictional characters from the BBC soap in a bid cause trouble and boost ratings.
A source told The Sun Online: "Chris has been brought back in to be the voice of reason for Jon. They are being billed as the ‘Phil and Grant of Essex’ for always having each other’s backs. Then there’s the bickering too. People can relate, and fans really like to see them in action. But more than anything, they are there for each other through their break-ups and whatever else life throws at them."
Phil and Grant – played by Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp respectively – became a household name in 1990 when they joined Albert Square alongside their mother Peggy, who was played by Barbara Windsor, but as the years have gone on, only the car lot only and recovering alcoholic is the only regular face in Walford.
Meanwhile, the fact that ‘TOWIE’ producers are keen to follow Jon and Chris’ relationship will no doubt excite the pair as it was believed bosses had decided to get rid of Chris because his relationship with Amber was too boring for screen time.
A source said recently: "It will probably lead to more time on the show rather than just a one off as he is now single and also fallen out with ex best friend Myles Barnett.
"Now he is single it will be interesting to see how his love life evolves on the show.
"That’s certainly another reason why he is back. He has a lot of appeal – he even dated Jesy from Little Mix the first time he split from Amber."
TOWIE bosses to turn brother Jon and Chris Clark into Essex’s Phil and Grant Mitchell
