The new series of The Only Way Is Essex has been postponed until the autumn due to coronavirus, it has been confirmed.
The long-running ITVBe reality show typically airs two series per year - one in the spring and another in the autumn.
In 2020 just one series aired because of coronavirus, although producers were able to put out two series as usual in 2021.
According to The Sun, however, the decision has been taken to axe the spring 2022 series and resume filming in the summer instead.
An ITV statement read: "Owing to ongoing challenges posed by Covid, the forthcoming series of The Only Way Is Essex will now be postponed until later in the year."
"The cast are obviously gutted as they were looking forward to getting back to filming," a source told the newspaper.
"They were told the difficult news this evening but have been reassured it will be worth the wait once the show returns. The next series will be a must-watch as everyone is desperate to make up for lost time."
TOWIE has been on the air since 2010 and the new series will be the 29th since it started.
Neil Wilkes
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