Mark Wright has reportedly decided against returning to The Only Way Is Essex for its upcoming 10-year anniversary celebrations.
The 33-year-old was the biggest star to emerge from the reality show when it launched in 2010, appearing on three series before leaving to pursue a media career.
Wright has since returned to the show for a handful of one-off appearances, most recently in 2016, but according to The Sun, he has decided against a cameo in a one-off reunion episode airing in October.
Former stars such as Joey Essex and Amy Childs have already agreed to come back for the episode, with some ex-cast members even rejoining the show in a more expanded role as part of its upcoming 26th series.
"It's a shame as Mark has clearly forgotten his roots," a source told The Sun. "The show made him who he is and he wouldn't have had all of his work gigs, like his radio show, without TOWIE putting him on the map.
"He's said he's in a different part of his life now and doesn't want to go back to TOWIE again.
"ITV bosses have got the real king of Essex back, Joey Essex, though, so they aren't losing any sleep over Mark's decision."
The new series of TOWIE is expected to start on ITVBe next month.
Neil Wilkes
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