In shock news a massive seven cast members have reportedly been axed from the new series of** The Only Way Is Essex**, with a further member confirming his departure.
According to a national newspaper stars such as Chris Clark, Amber Dowding, Mike Hassini and Mario Falcone will not be returning to **TOWIE **as the show wants to concentrate on main cast members such as Gemma Collins and Bobby Norris
Now TOWIE star Mario Falcone has confirmed his exit to OK! online saying, "I left in October yes, but on amicable terms.
"It just wasn't for me anymore x."
Having announced his engagement last summer, Mario will now be able to spend more time with his girlfriend Becky Miesner.
Mario didn't comment on the departure of the other stars, however they are believed to include Jack Rigden, Jordan Brook, Maddie Hooper and Ruby Lacey.
A source told a newspaper, "TOWIE is like a revolving door and producers are always on the lookout for new faces that can keep the show fresh."
They continued, "Chris and Amber have left the series as a couple who’ve just moved into an apartment together – and often being in a happy relationship doesn’t work for the show.
"Mike is also loved-up with a girlfriend off camera and has no real storylines to bring to the show but will continue to focus on his fitness and personal training."
Although it hasn't been confirmed who is leaving a show rep speaking to **Metro.co.uk **did confirm that a number of the cast were leaving.
"There are a number of cast who have mutually agreed their time on the show has come to a natural end for now," the rep said, "We wish them well and look forward to another exciting year ahead for TOWIE."
The new series of TOWIE is to due to start filming in 10 weeks time, it will return to ITVBe later this year, when it will be reduced from two episodes a week to just one.
Read more showbiz stories from the week below:
8th JAN SHOWBIZ GALLERY
1 of 25Kem Cetinay denied rumours he's dating Scarlett Moffatt
**Love Island **winner Kem Cetinay was forced to deny he is dating Scarlett Moffatt after the TV personality was spotted supporting him during the Dancing On Ice launch show.
2 of 25Alexandra Burke announced she's engaged
**Strictly Come Dancing star and former winner of The X Factor Alexandra Burke announced she's engaged to **Joshua Ginnelly.
3 of 25Jade Thirlwall revealed who she would like to win CBB
Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall revealed she wants Courtney Act, real name Shane Jenek, to win the current series of Celebrity Big Brother. The pair know each other after Courtney appeared in Little Mix's video for 'Power'.
4 of 25Celebrity Big Brother viewers were left confused by Malika Haqq's tweet reveal
Celebrity Big Brother viewers were left confused how Malika Haqq knew her best friend Khloe Kardashian had been tweeting about her.
5 of 25The 2018 Golden Globes took place
The 75th Golden Globes took place, the big winners included Nicole Kidman who won Best Performance by an actress in a limited series or television movie.
6 of 25New photos were released of Princess Charlotte
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released some adorable new photos of Princess Charlotte on her first day at nursery.
7 of 25Toff hit back at online trolls
I'm A Celebrity winner Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo hit back at online trolls after they sent her horrible messages about her skin.
8 of 25Brooke Vincent showed off her weight loss
**Coronation Street **actress Brooke Vincent showed off her weight loss after taking part in a fitness programme. The actress revealed she's lost one stone.
9 of 25Justin Timberlake revealed the track list for his new album
After releasing his brand new single 'Filthy' last week, Justin Timberlake revealed the track listing for his brand new album 'Man Of The Woods'.
10 of 25Ed Sheeran revealed his obsession with tomato ketchup
Ed Sheeran revealed he loves tomato ketchup so much, not only does he have the Heinz logo tattooed on his arm but he gets his assistant to carry around a bottle at all times.
11 of 25Kelly Clarkson totally freaked out at the Golden Globes
Pop star Kelly Clarkson couldn't control her emotions when she bumped into her idol Meryl Streep on the red carpet at the Golden Globes.
12 of 25Ore and Portia Oduba welcomed their first baby
Former** Strictly Come Dancing **winner Ore Oduba and his wife Portia welcomed their first baby into the world, a baby boy called Roman.
13 of 25Selena Gomez hit unfollow on Instagram
Selena Gomez unfollowed a LOT of her celebrity friends on Instagram, including Demi Lovato.
14 of 25Is a Geordie Shore wedding on the cards?
Geordie Shore fans believed Chloe Ferry and her boyfriend Sam Gowland could be engaged after Chloe was spotted with a ring on her engagement finger.
15 of 25This Cheryl Tweedy lookalike sent fans into meltdown
Fans of Cheryl Tweedy were left in shock after a woman called Sian Teesdale posted this photo of herself looking just like the former **X Factor **judge.
16 of 25Hugh Grant is going to be a dad again
Hollywood actor Hugh Grant and his girlfriend Anna Eberstein are expecting their third child together. The new arrival will be Hugh's fifth in total.
17 of 25Star-studded soundtrack revealed for Fifty Shades Freed
The soundtrack for the upcoming new movie Fifty Shades Freed was revealed, with Liam Payne, Rita Ora, Dua Lipa and many more featuring.
18 of 25Meghan Markle closed her social media accounts
Following her engagement to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle shut down all of her social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
19 of 25Amber Davies revealed the truth about her split from Kem Cetinay
**Love Island 2017 **winner Amber Davies revealed the real reason her romance with Kem Cetinay 'fizzled out' was due to the pair's busy work schedules.
20 of 25Sophie Kasaei hit back at online trolls
Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei hit back at online trolls after they accused her of having liposuction to help her lose two stone.
21 of 25Jessica Falkholt had her life support turned off
**Home and Away **actress Jessica Falkholt had her life support machine turned off following a devastating car crash on Boxing Day which killed her parents and her sister.
22 of 25Stacey Solomon hit back at airbrushing
Loose Women star Stacey Solomon shared two photos of herself on Instagram, one edited and one natural to hit out at airbrushing.
23 of 25Love Island set for MAJOR change in 2018
Reports are suggesting lesbian and gay couples will join this year's series of Love Island.
24 of 25Troye Sivan dropped his new single
Troye Sivan dropped his brand new single 'My My My!' and moody music video to go with it.
25 of 25Britney Spears was spotted with an 'engagement' ring
Fans believed Britney Spears was engaged after she spotted on holidaying with an 'engagement' ring on her finger.