| The Only Way Is Essex | |
|---|---|
| Season 17 | |
| No. of episodes | 14 |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITVBe |
| Original release | 28 February – 13 April 2016 |
| Series chronology | |
The seventeenth series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 3 June 2015 when it was announced that it had renewed for at least a further six series, taking it up to 21 series. [1] It is the second series to be included in its current contract. The series will launch on 28 February 2016. [2] Ahead of the series it was announced that cast member Jess Wright had quit the show having appeared since the first series in 2010. [3] Ferne McCann also confirmed that she would be taking a break from the show but would be back. [4] It will be the first series to include new cast members Chloe Meadows, Courtney Green, [5] and Chris and Jon Clark. Jon previously appeared on ITV2's Love Island . [6]
This series also featured the show's 200th episode. [7] On 9 March 2016, it was announced that former Ex on the Beach star and Celebrity Big Brother housemate Megan McKenna has joined the cast and would be making her debut during the 200th episode. However, Megan previously made a brief appearance on the first Essexmas special in 2010 where she originally auditioned for Jess Wright's new girl group. [8] On 13 March 2016, ahead of the show's milestone 200th episode, a special episode titled "The Power of TOWIE" aired hosted by Mark Wright, where cast past and present united to discuss the show's history. [9]
| Series no. | Episode no. | Title | Original air date | Duration | UK viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 196 | 1 | "Episode 1" | 28 February 2016 | 50 minutes | 982,000 |
With Carol still mourning Nanny Pat, Debbie decides to take her out to celebrate her late Mother's life, whilst Gemma confesses to Billie that she knows Lockie has been seeing somebody but is scared to mention it to Danni. Courtney and Chloe M introduce themselves to the Essex gang and Lockie instantly takes a shine to Courtney, whilst Mike flirts with Chloe M. A revealing text from Gemma causes upset for Danni as she is forced to confront Lockie about the girl he's been seeing, however he denies all knowledge. Elsewhere the boys continue to isolate Lewis. | |||||
| 197 | 2 | "Episode 2" | 2 March 2016 | 50 minutes | 911,000 |
As Danni tries to get to the bottom of the rumours, she begins to realise Gemma is the only source and maybe she wasn't telling the whole truth. With Lewis still public enemy number one, he makes amends with the boys he's upset. Pete has a peace offering for Chloe S after upsetting her daughter and breaking a promise to her, whilst Lockie has some celebrating to do after the launch of his new restaurant. Elsewhere, Chloe M dates Mike, and Courtney dates Chris, and Courtney reveals the bombshell that she had the opportunity to get with Lockie but turned him down. | |||||
| 198 | 3 | "Episode 3" | 6 March 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,107,000 |
Georgia hears a rumour that Courtney and Lockie have slept together and decides to do some digging to get to the truth before she tells Danni. Jon opens up to Chloe S about his past relationships, then admits to Bobby that he wants to ask her out on a date. Tommy and Georgia find themselves bickering when she accuses him of staying quiet about Lockie, questioning his loyalties. Carol breaks down at the Mother's Day auction when Debbie gives her a sentimental gift, and Courtney is shocked when Georgia outright quizzes her about the rumours she's heard. | |||||
| 199 | 4 | "Episode 4" | 9 March 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,158,000 |
The Danni and Courtney feud is on everybody's mind and Chris and Jon refuse to clean Courtney's windows having agreed to do it in the Mother's Day auction. Chloe M realises the extent of her feelings towards Mike when she gets jealous of him speaking to another girl, and the boys get competitive during the football match. Bobby attempts to get more manly and meets a potential new love interest, and Team Real win the football match 6-0. Courtney and Chloe M end up isolating themselves further following another confrontation with the girls. | |||||
| – | – | "The Power of TOWIE" | 13 March 2016 | 60 minutes | 482,000 |
A one-off documentary hosted by former cast member Mark Wright discussing the history of the show. Celebrities as well as cast members past and present unite to talk about the Essex look, the popularity of the show, the fame the cast members have achieved from appearing in the series as well as the influence it has had on the economy. | |||||
| 200 | 5 | "TOWIE: The 200th episode" | 13 March 2016 | 60 minutes | 1,121,000 |
Lydia and Arg plan a 1920's themed party to celebrate Essex. Courtney is fed up of her treatment from the other girls and vows to put a stop to it, whilst the boys think the football match has broken the divide between them. At the dinner party, Pete introduces Megan McKenna as his date, who is quick to stand up for her friend Courtney. Kate gives Dan an earful for not paying her enough attention, and Chloe M is annoyed that Mike has been dating somebody else. Elsewhere, an almighty row erupts as Chloe S mishears a conversation about her, and she's torn when both Liam and Jon compete for her affection. | |||||
| 201 | 6 | "Episode 6" | 16 March 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,135,000 |
A video is released of Danni all over a boy and she brings it on herself to explain herself to Lockie, but can she be completely honest with her feelings towards him? Jon admits he doesn't remember the kiss he and Chloe S shared but still asks her out on a date, unaware she's already agreed to go on a date with Liam. Kate and Dan's relationship hits the rocks when she becomes increasingly jealous of him spending more time with the boys rather than her, and Georgia gets emotional when she realises the damage she has caused for Courtney. | |||||
| 202 | 7 | "Episode 7" | 20 March 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,115,000 |
Megan is far from happy to hear what Kate has said about her behind her back, but Pete assures her that it was said as a joke instead of maliciously. Georgia plans a Greek themed party, inviting Courtney and Chloe M to prove there's no animosity between the girls. The boys plan an SAS training day to prove which group is the most macho and Arg is left gutted when Team Real want him as their manager rather than competing for them. Jon takes Chloe S to a museum for their first date then the pair get cosy at Georgia's party. Stavros Fratley arrive as party guests. | |||||
| 203 | 8 | "Episode 8" | 23 March 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,070,000 |
Chris admits he doesn't think it's getting serious between him and Courtney just yet, but has she other ideas? Pete is disappointed with some of the boys when he finds out they've been badmouthing him and Megan, and Tommy is the one who gets it in the neck. Team Real are victorious once again during the SAS challenge, but the girls think their competitiveness is going a bit too far. Megan and Kate have it out as they come face-to-face for the first time since their drama, and Jon surprises Chloe S by taking her on another romantic date. | |||||
| 204 | 9 | "Episode 9" | 27 March 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,095,000 |
Lockie is made to be Team Real's bitch as he takes one for the team and takes the forfeit. Whilst Jon admits he's liking the way things are going with Chloe S, she has a few concerns about their age gap. The Bright's host an Easter egg hunt for the group and Lydia makes it her mission to help keep Arg away from the chocolate and to support him on his new weight loss plans. Chloe L seeks advice from Danni when her relationship with Jake begins to fizzle out, and the boys feel that Tommy is offloading his problem with Megan onto Pete instead. | |||||
| 205 | 10 | "Episode 10" | 30 March 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,033,000 |
Jake finds it difficult to keep his cool around Danni after hearing she's been giving Chloe L unwanted advice about their relationship, and she finds herself in Lockie's bad books too when he rages with her about comparing other people's relationship to theirs. Kate confronts Courtney over their Twitter feud, and Megan is angry to be dragged further into the drama. Chloe S fears there is no chemistry between her and Jon, and Liam gets a record deal. Elsewhere, Chloe and Chloe M's attempts to clear the air with the girls backfire when they end up clashing with Danni and Kate. | |||||
| 206 | 11 | "Episode 11" | 3 April 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,242,000 |
Chloe S celebrates her graduation and leaves her party planning in the capable hands of Diags, and wants to invite Jon despite their recent fling coming to an end. Courtney and Chloe M continue to isolate themselves and Chris is the one to tell them that they're in the wrong, but they feel there are double standards when Mike gets away with venting on Twitter about them. Kate rages to hear that Chloe M has tried to come between her and Dan, and Tommy and Jake clash over Liam's loyalties with the girls. Megan suggests the girls all go away for a weekend to bond without a club environment but Kate refuses. | |||||
| 207 | 12 | "Episode 12" | 6 April 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,197,000 |
The girl's trip away features a lot of awkwardness as Chloe M and Courtney once again attempt to clear the air. Lockie and Jake clash again in an ultimate contest of Connect 4 to find out who the real "alpha" is. Elsewhere, a game of "I Have Never" descends into chaos when Chloe L accuses Megan of sleeping with Jake, and Chloe S urges Lockie to be honest about his feelings towards Danni. Chloe L digs for the truth surrounding the rumours about Jake but is more confused when Chloe M's story doesn't add up, is this the final nail in the coffin for her relationship? | |||||
| 208 | 13 | "Episode 13" | 10 April 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,261,000 |
Everybody is torn over whom to believe as Jake and Megan continue to deny sleeping together, but Chloe M's slip-up may have confirmed that they have. Lockie admits that he wants to get back with Danni, and tries to be honest with her over his feelings. Elsewhere, Liam shoots his new music video, and Georgia gets emotional being caught in the middle of the Jake and Chloe L drama. An angry Courtney confronts Mike over his abusive retweets about her, and Chloe L meets up with Chloe M and Megan to get the whole truth. | |||||
| 209 | 14 | "Episode 14" | 13 April 2016 | 50 minutes | 1,292,000 |
It's make or break for three couples in Essex following recent troubles, and Debbie prepares to celebrate her birthday with a huge punk party. Bobby introduces his new boyfriend to the group and receives approval from Gemma. Jake and Chloe L finally have it out with each other and put their relationship to bed, whilst Kate begins to feel sorry for Chloe M after all the latest drama with Mike. Despite the rumours, Pete and Megan make their relationship official, and Danni and Lockie are finally honest with each other over their feelings and agree to take things slow. | |||||
| Episode | Date | Official ITVBe rating [10] | ITVBe weekly rank [10] | ITVBe+1 viewers [10] | Total ITVBe viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 28 February 2016 | 951,000 | 1 | 33,000 | 982,000 |
| Episode 2 | 2 March 2016 | 884,000 | 2 | 27,000 | 911,000 |
| Episode 3 | 6 March 2016 | 1,075,000 | 1 | 32,000 | 1,107,000 |
| Episode 4 | 9 March 2016 | 1,118,000 | 1 | 40,000 | 1,158,000 |
| The Power of TOWIE | 13 March 2016 | 452,000 | 3 | 30,000 | 482,000 |
| TOWIE: The 200th episode | 13 March 2016 | 1,063,000 | 2 | 58,000 | 1,121,000 |
| Episode 6 | 16 March 2016 | 1,104,000 | 1 | 31,000 | 1,135,000 |
| Episode 7 | 20 March 2016 | 1,064,000 | 2 | 51,000 | 1,115,000 |
| Episode 8 | 23 March 2016 | 996,000 | 2 | 74,000 | 1,070,000 |
| Episode 9 | 27 March 2016 | 1,019,000 | 1 | 76,000 | 1,095,000 |
| Episode 10 | 30 March 2016 | 978,000 | 2 | 55,000 | 1,033,000 |
| Episode 11 | 3 April 2016 | 1,143,000 | 1 | 99,000 | 1,242,000 |
| Episode 12 | 6 April 2016 | 1,150,000 | 2 | 47,000 | 1,197,000 |
| Episode 13 | 10 April 2016 | 1,199,000 | 1 | 62,000 | 1,261,000 |
| Episode 14 | 13 April 2016 | 1,232,000 | 1 | 60,000 | 1,292,000 |
| Series average | 1,070,000 | 1 | 53,000 | 1,123,000 | |
The ninth series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began airing on 2 June 2013 and included the 100th episode of the series which aired 12 June 2013. This was the first series not to feature both Mick Norcross and Debbie Douglas after their departure from the show during the previous series although Douglas made a cameo appearance in Episode 11. Both appeared in the show from series 2–8. It was also the first series not to include Kirk Norcross since he returned to the cast in series 7. On 12 April 2013, ahead of series, Lucy Mecklenburgh announced on Twitter that her relationship with Mario Falcone had ended. The series began with two The Only Way Is Marbs specials.
Ferne Alice McCann is an English television personality and presenter. She was a cast member of the ITVBe reality series The Only Way Is Essex, joining in the ninth series and leaving in the eighteenth. In 2015, she participated in the fifteenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and finished in third place.
The tenth series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 10 July 2013 by cast member Bobby-Cole Norris on Twitter. The series began on 6 October 2013 with two The Only Way Is Vegas specials and was followed by a regular run of the series from 13 October 2013 until 13 November 2013. This was the last series to feature Joey Essex, with him making his final appearance in the series finale, and Lucy Mecklenburgh after she departed the series during the Christmas special at the end of the series. This series also marked the arrival of new cast member Elliott Wright, cousin of Mark and Jess Wright.
The eleventh series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 30 January 2014 when it had been announced that it had renewed for a further three series, the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth. The series premiered on 23 February 2014 with a 60-minute special, and was followed by another 11 episodes. This was also the first series not to include Lucy Mecklenburgh after her departure during the Christmas special after the tenth series. The series also saw the return of Lydia Bright. This was the penultimate series to feature on ITV2
The thirteenth series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 30 January 2014 when it had been announced that it had renewed for a further three series; the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth. The series launched on 8 October 2014 with two The Only Way Is Ibiza specials. It was the first series to feature on ITV's new channel ITVBe, which also launched on 8 October 2014. The first episode of The Only Way Is Ibiza featured a live afterparty straight after the episode hosted by ex-cast member Mark Wright and narrator of the show Denise van Outen.
The fourteenth series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 26 November 2014 when it had been announced that it had renewed for at least a further two series, the fourteenth and fifteenth. It is therefore the first series to be included in its current contract. The series launched on 22 February 2015 and was immediately followed by a one-off special "TOWIE: All Back to Essex" hosted by Mark Wright. It is the second series to feature on ITV's new channel ITVBe. It was the first series to include new cast members Dan Edgar, Jake Hall and Chloe Lewis, and the last to feature Charlie Sims, Dan Osborne, Jasmin Walia, Leah Wright and Ricky Rayment. Frankie Essex also made a brief return to the series having last appeared during the tenth series.
The fifteenth series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 26 November 2014 when it had been announced that it had renewed for at least a further two series, the fourteenth and fifteenth. The series launched on 14 June 2015 with two Marbella specials. After the launch of the new series, it will be immediately followed by another one-off special "TOWIE: All Back to Essex" hosted by Mark Wright. It is the third series to feature on ITV's new channel ITVBe. As well as confirming the new launch date, it was confirmed that ITV had renewed their contract keeping the show for a further six series, taking it to Series 21. Ahead of the series it was announced that cast member Ricky Rayment had taken a short break from the show but would be back, however he did not return. It was also confirmed that Mario Falcone had been suspended from the show for the second time, this time after promoting slimming pills on social media. He returned during the fourth episode. This was the final series to feature long-running cast member Gemma Collins until her brief return for the Essexmas special, and first to include new cast member Pete Wicks.
The sixteenth series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 3 June 2015 when it was announced that it had renewed for at least a further six series, taking it up to 21 series. It is therefore the first series to be included in its current contract. The series launched on 4 October 2015 with two Marbella specials. After the launch of the new series, it was immediately followed by another one-off special "TOWIE: All Back to Essex", hosted by Mark Wright. Ahead of the series it was announced that cast member Gemma Collins had quit the show having appeared since the second series, however she later returned for the Essexmas special. This was also the final series to feature original cast member Lauren Pope, who quit mid-way through the series, Jess Wright and Ferne McCann who both announced their departures from the show ahead of the seventeenth series. This was also the final series to include Patricia "Nanny Pat" Brooker following her death. A Christmas special of the show aired on 16 December 2015 which featured the brief return of former cast members Gemma Collins, Lauren Goodger and Mario Falcone.
The eighteenth series of the British semi-reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 3 June 2015 when it was announced that it had renewed for at least a further six series, taking it up to 21 series. It is the third series to be included in its current contract. The series launched on 17 July 2016 with a special entitled The Only Way is Mallorca. Ahead of the series it was announced that cast member Jake Hall had quit the show having appeared since the fourteenth series. Despite quitting the show at the end of the sixteenth series, Jess Wright made a one-off appearance to support Bobby over the loss of his dog. It was also the first series not to include long-running cast member Lewis Bloor, who quit during the previous series. New cast member Amber Dowding joined the show for this series. Love Island winners Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde also made guest appearances during the ninth episode of the series. This was the final series to include Billie Faiers after it was announced she had quit the show.
The nineteen series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 3 June 2015 when it was announced that it had renewed for at least a further six series, taking it up to 21 series. It is the fourth series to be included in its current contract. The series will launch on 9 October 2016 with a The Only Way is Marbs special. It includes the first appearances of new cast members Ben Shenel and Ercan Ramadan. Mario Falcone and Frankie Essex also made a surprise one-off return to the series during the final episode of the series to celebrate Chloe Sims's 35th birthday. Love Island winners Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde both made another guest appearance during the eighth episode. Original cast member James Argent was also absent for most of this series. A further two Essexmas specials aired in December 2016, where Danni Armstrong announced her departure from the series.
The twentieth series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 3 June 2015 when it was announced that it had renewed for at least a further six series, taking it up to 21 series. The series launched on 5 March with the cast going to Tenerife, and concluded on 3 May 2017 after eighteen episodes, making this the longest series to date. Ahead of the series it was announced that James Argent had taken a break from the series having only appeared in the first half of the previous series. It was also announced that Mario Falcone, Jamie Reed and Charlie King would all be returning to the series. Lauren Pope also made a return to the series during the final episode, and Fran Parman also made a brief return during this episode.
The twenty-first series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 3 June 2015 when it was announced that it had renewed for at least a further six series, taking it up to 21 series. The series began on 10 September 2017 with the cast going to Marbella, and concluded after seventeen episodes on 5 November 2017, making it the second longest series to date after it was confirmed that the lengths of each series would be extended. Ahead of the series it was announced that James Argent would be returning to the series following his break from the show. It was also confirmed that after making brief appearances during the previous series, Lauren Pope and Mario Falcone would be returning to the series as a full-time cast member. With this announcement, it was revealed that Mike Hassini would also be returning to the series having previously left the show after the eighteenth series. Former cast member Elliott Wright also made an appearance during the second episode of the series, whilst Vas J Morgan also returned to the show mid-way through the series. This was also the first series to include new cast members Ruby Lacey and Taylor Barnett. Former cast member Danielle Armstrong also made a brief return to the series, appearing in the Halloween special episode airing on 29 October 2017. During the series it was announced that Carol Wright had quit the show. A further Essexmas episode aired on 17 December 2017.
The twenty-second series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began on 25 March 2018 with the cast heading to Barcelona and concluded on 27 May 2018 after ten episodes. The series was confirmed on 21 December 2017, when it was announced that a further two series had been commissioned for 2018. It was also confirmed that the series will only air once a week unlike past series which aired twice a week. Ahead of the series, it was confirmed that a number of cast members had been axed including Chris Clark, Amber Dowding, Vas Morgan, Mike Hassini, Jordan Brooks, Jack Rigden, Taylor Barnett and Ruby Lacey, however Chris and Vas each made brief appearances. As well as this, Mario Falcone and Megan McKenna also confirmed that they wouldn't be returning to the show. This was the final season to feature James Argent. New cast members for this series include Dean Ralph and Jordan Wright, who both previously appeared in the seventh series of Ex on the Beach, as well as Clelia Theodorou and Shelby Tribble. Yazmin's brother Adam Oukhellou also joined the cast midway through the series. Prior to this Adam appeared in the sixth series of Ex on the Beach.
The twenty-third series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began airing on 2 September 2018 with an Italian special as the cast flew off to Sardinia. The series was confirmed on 21 December 2017, when it was announced that a further two series had been commissioned for 2018.
The twenty-fourth series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began airing on 17 March 2019 with a special episode as the cast visited Thailand. Ahead of the series, it was announced that a large number of cast members had quit the series or had been axed from the show. These include Adam Oukhello, Chloe Lewis, Chris and Jon Clark, Dean Ralph, James Argent, Jordan Wright and Myles Barnett. Original cast member Lauren Pope also quit the show before the launch, despite appearing in promo images for the new series. Therefore, no original cast members appeared in this series. The new cast members replacing them were Chloe and Clare Brockett, Chloe Ross, Ella Wise, Harry Lee, Jayden Beales, Joey Turner, Kelsey Stratford and Tom McDonnell. Despite announcements that Amber Turner and Gemma Collins would not be returning for this series, they both made appearances. Former cast members and Love Island winners Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey also made a brief appearance during this series.
The twenty-fifth series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began airing on 1 September 2019, and concluded on 10 November 2019 following 11 episodes. The first episode of the series marks the 300th overall episode of the show. Ahead of the series, it was announced that former Love Island star Olivia Attwood had joined the cast having already made an appearance during the previous series. Frankie Sims and Matt Snape also joined the cast for this series. This series also featured one-off appearances from former cast members Charlie Sims, Danni Armstrong, Elliott Wright, Gemma Collins and Vas Morgan. In October 2019, it was announced that Sam Mucklow and Shelby Tribble had quit the series. During the final episode, it was confirmed that a "The Only Way Is Essexmas" special would return having not aired the previous year.
The twenty-sixth series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began airing on 13 September 2020. This series was due to air earlier in the year, but in March 2020 it was announced that filming had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Whilst off air, it was announced that the series would return later in the year and would go back to airing two episodes per week, and that filming would take place with social distancing to protect cast and crew. Ahead of the series, it was announced that cast members Chloe Ross and Jayden Beales had been axed from the show. It was also confirmed that original cast member Amy Childs would be returning. Nicole Bass, Harry Derbidge and Fran Parman also returned.
The twenty-seventh series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began airing on 14 March 2021, and concluded following eleven episodes on 23 May. This series returned to airing just one episode per week, and like the previous series, it was filmed with social distancing measures in place to protect both cast and crew from Coronavirus. Despite filming for this series taking place during a national lockdown, some restaurants and pubs opened especially for the show. Ahead of the series it was announced that cast member Yazmin Oukhellou had quit the show to focus on a new career. It was also confirmed that Rem Larue had joined the cast instead. This series also features the arrivals of new cast members Dani Imbert and Roman Hackett. as well as the departures of Georgia Kousoulou, Tommy Mallet and Joey Turner.
The twenty-eighth series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began airing on 12 September 2021, and concluded on 14 November following 10 episodes. A further two "Essexmas" special episodes aired on 15 and 16 December. Ahead of the series it was announced that the show would be evolving with some changes, including axing a number of cast members to therefore focus on a smaller group of cast and allow more time to film their real lives such as their bonds between family and friends. Cast members confirmed not to be returning for this series were Chloe Meadows, Clelia Theodorou, Courtney Green, Ella Wise, Harry Derbidge, Harry Lee, Kelsey Stratford, Nicole Bass, Rem Larue and Tom McDonnell, joining Georgia Kousoulou, Tommy Mallett and Joey Turner, who had already previously announced they'd quit. Bobby Cole Norris also announced that he had quit the series but would be presenting "TOWIE: The Official After Party", a new online spin-off series.
The thirtieth series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex began airing on 26 March 2023. Filming for the series commenced in January 2023, with a number of episodes set in Thailand.