| The Only Way Is Essex | |
|---|---|
| Season 4 | |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV2 |
| Original release | 29 January – 29 February 2012 |
| Series chronology | |
The fourth series of The Only Way Is Essex , a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 29 January 2012 on ITV2. The series concluded on 29 February 2012 and consisted of ten episodes. This is the first series to include Bobby Cole Norris, Charlie King, Chris "Little Chris" Drake, Georgina Dorsett, James "Diags" Bennewith, Ricky Rayment and Tom Kilbey. It is the last series to include twins Dino and Georgio Georgiades, and Peri Sinclair who had appeared since the third series, and Nicola Goodger who first appeared during the second series. The series heavily focuses on new boy Ricky causing a stir in Essex by going behind the boy's backs and trying to get with many of the girls, as well as the strain between friendships when Billi finds love with Cara's brother Tom, and Jess finally cuts Lauren G out of her life. It also features the aftermath of Arg and Lydia's break-up, and Lucy and Mario hitting another rough patch in their turbulent relationship.
| Series No. | Season No. | Title | Original airdate | Duration | UK viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 1 | "Episode 1" | 29 January 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,502,000 |
New girl Georgina has heads turning as Joey instantly takes a liking to her, but she isn’t impressed when he gets his best friend Diags to talk to her for him instead. In the wake of Arg and Lydia’s split, Debbie gives Arg some much needed advice as he makes it his mission to win back her daughter. Mario makes it known that he has history with Georgina, whilst Billi and Cara attempt some doggy yoga. Arg interrupts Lydia’s birthday meal to make a bold statement to her, whilst Lauren P reels from the news that her PIP implants could explode. | |||||
| 42 | 2 | "Episode 2" | 1 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,492,000 |
Debbie is in Lydia’s bad books for being a shoulder to cry on for Arg, and Carol gives her some friendly advice on how to patch things up with her daughter. Elsewhere Mario seeks solace from his father when he realises he hasn’t quite forgiven Lucy yet, and Sam and Billie clash over their business. Lucy receives a huge shock when she stumbles across messages from other girls on Mario’s iPad, and Cara is torn over whether to tell her that he has been messaging her as well. Joey hosts a poker night, and Gemma cleanses her third eye. | |||||
| 43 | 3 | "Episode 3" | 5 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,506,000 |
Cara faces the difficult task of telling Lucy that Mario has been messaging her leaving her broken, and she feels his revenge plot has gone too far. Elsewhere Georgina also reveals that he has been messaging her, and accidentally puts her foot in it when Lucy overhears her confiding in Lauren P about it. Chloe reveals her brand new look but doesn’t get the reaction she was hoping for, and Gemma celebrates her 31st birthday in style. Joey makes another attempt at wooing Georgina, whilst Sam moves in with her new boyfriend. | |||||
| 44 | 4 | "Episode 4" | 8 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,478,000 |
Georgina and Lauren P finally agree to go out with Joey and Diags leaving Chloe worried for her cousin being led astray, but the girls are far from impressed when the boys take them to an arcade. Meanwhile some of the Essex females visit a clairvoyant where Gemma is keen to know exact dates for her future wedding. Mario makes it his mission to win back Lucy, but has she forgiven him already? Lydia faces fresh heartbreak when more rumours surface that Arg cheated on her whilst they were together. | |||||
| 45 | 5 | "Episode 5" | 12 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,328,000 |
Sam is put in an awkward position as she plans a swimwear house warming party but doesn’t want to cause tension by inviting both Lydia and Arg. Lauren G breaks down about her weight, whilst Mario asks Lucy out on a first date for Valentine’s Day. Some of the boys go to Mick’s caravan whilst Sam hosts her party. Arg is upset to see a shared photo of Lydia in her bikini next to another boy, and Georgina and Lucy attempt to clear the air. The girls have their heads turned by new hunk Ricky who reminisces with Lydia over their childhood memories. | |||||
| 46 | 6 | "Episode 6" | 15 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,576,000 |
A depressed Arg buys Lydia some £1,000 shoes in a last bid attempt to sway her, whilst Lauren G and Cara both express their desire to woo Ricky. Mario and Lucy head out on their first date where they agree to wipe the slate clean and not use their past mistakes against each other. Billi is put in a difficult position when she finds herself getting close to Cara’s brother Tom, whilst Arg reveals to Joey that he has slept with Lydia again, but is now being ignored by her completely. Elsewhere the group celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Sex and the City party. | |||||
| 47 | 7 | "Episode 7" | 19 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,447,000 |
Lauren G reels from recent events after her shop is destroyed by vandals. There is strain on Billi and Tom’s new romance already as Cara fails to support the pair, and Debbie delivers some harsh home truths to Arg. Ricky makes enemies as Joey feels he’s stepping on Arg’s toes, and Tom isn’t happy with him kissing his sister in front of him. Lydia and Arg break down after a heart-to-heart about their last five years together, and Billi is forced to make a choice after Tom and Cara’s sibling rivalry gets heated. | |||||
| 48 | 8 | "Episode 8" | 22 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,488,000 |
With Arg still convinced Ricky is after Lydia, the boys are there to lift his spirits, unaware that it’s actually Cara who Ricky is dating. Bobby introduces himself to Lydia, whilst some of the Essex girls celebrate Pancake Day. Arg interrupts Ricky’s date with Cara to lecture him over what the boys have told him about him and Lydia, leaving Ricky infuriated and taking his anger out on Cara – causing Jess to step in to calm the situation down. Frankie tears up as she realises she’s still alone, whilst Lydia announces her desires for the next man in her life. | |||||
| 49 | 9 | "Episode 9" | 26 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,593,000 |
Joey is far from impressed to hear that Ricky has been talking behind his back, whilst Gemma reveals to the group that she has a new man on the scene. Elsewhere Lauren P is delighted with her new boobs, and Gemma is sceptical on her date with Charlie as starts to wonder if he is actually gay. Jess and Lauren G fallout again over their past, but both are revealed to be texting Ricky. Lauren G hosts the opening night for her new shop where Ricky’s behaviour is the talk of Essex, and Joey confronts him over what he’s been saying about him, which leads to a fist-up between the pair. | |||||
| 50 | 10 | "Episode 10" | 29 February 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,768,000 |
Ricky and Joey make up following their almighty row, whilst both Lauren G and Jess see no way bac for their friendship and refuse to speak to each other. Elsewhere Mario celebrates his birthday by hosting an “M” themed party where he asks Lucy to move in with him again, and Cara isn’t happy when Billi shows up as Mrs Kilbey. Jess and Lauren G come face-to-face and immediately clash as their past is dragged up, whilst Charlie puts an end to the gay rumours by making a grand entrance and swooping Gemma off her feet. | |||||
| Episode | Date | Official ITV2 rating [1] | ITV2 weekly rank [1] | Official ITV2+1 rating [1] | Total ITV2 viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 29 January 2012 | 1,339,000 | 1 | 163,000 | 1,502,000 |
| Episode 2 | 1 February 2012 | 1,295,000 | 1 | 197,000 | 1,492,000 |
| Episode 3 | 5 February 2012 | 1,290,000 | 2 | 216,000 | 1,506,000 |
| Episode 4 | 8 February 2012 | 1,277,000 | 2 | 201,000 | 1,478,000 |
| Episode 5 | 12 February 2012 | 1,089,000 | 4 | 239,000 | 1,328,000 |
| Episode 6 | 15 February 2012 | 1,353,000 | 3 | 223,000 | 1,576,000 |
| Episode 7 | 19 February 2012 | 1,374,000 | 2 | 173,000 | 1,447,000 |
| Episode 8 | 22 February 2012 | 1,272,000 | 3 | 216,000 | 1,488,000 |
| Episode 9 | 26 February 2012 | 1,345,000 | 2 | 218,000 | 1,593,000 |
| Episode 10 | 29 February 2012 | 1,526,000 | 2 | 242,000 | 1,768,000 |
| Series average | 1,316,000 | 2 | 209,000 | 1,518,000 | |
The first series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television series, began airing on 10 October 2010 on ITV2. The series concluded on 10 November 2010 after ten episodes. An Essexmas special aired on 24 December 2010 and is included on the Series 1 DVD. This is the first series to include cast members Amy Childs, Billie and Sam Faiers, Harry Derbidge, James "Arg" Argent, Jess and Mark Wright, Kirk Norcross, Lauren Goodger, Lauren Pope, Lucy Mecklenburgh, Lydia Bright, Maria Fowler and Patricia "Nanny Pat" Brooker, and the only series to feature Candy Jacobs and Michael Woods. The series focused heavily on the aftermath of Mark and Lauren G's break-up and his attempts to get over her by turning to both Lucy and Sam. It also featured Arg trying to win back his ex-girlfriend Lydia, and Kirk's brief romance with Amy before getting with Lauren P.
The second series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 20 March 2011 on ITV2. The series concluded on 4 May 2011 and consisted of fourteen episodes. This is the first series to include Carol Wright, Chloe Sims, Debbie Douglas, Frankie Essex, Gemma Collins, Joey Essex, Mick Norcross and Nicola Goodger, and briefly included Leah Wright, the cousin of Mark and Jess Wright, before she later returned in the ninth series. It is the last series to include Amy Childs before her return in 2020. The series heavily focused on the relationship between Lauren G and Mark, where the pair celebrate an engagement, failed to win over the support from the Wright family, before splitting when Mark puts his club promoting before his fiancée. It also featured the demise of Arg and Lydia's relationship, the blossoming romance between Joey and Sam, and Kirk and Lauren P taking things to the next step despite the disapproval from her best friend Maria.
The third series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 25 September 2011 on ITV2. The series concluded on 9 November 2011 and consisted of fourteen episodes. An Essexmas special aired on 20 December 2011 and is included on the Series 3 DVD. This is the first series to include Billi Mucklow, Cara Kilbey, Mario Falcone, Peri Sinclair, twins Dino and Georgio Georgiades and briefly included Mark Wright Snr, the father of Mark and Jess Wright, before he later returned in the sixth series. It is the last series to include Harry Derbidge, Kirk Norcross, Maria Fowler and Mark Wright having all appeared since the first series. The series heavily focused on the romance of Mark and Sam despite obstacles like their respective exes Lauren G and Joey, the beginning of Lucy and Mario, and Arg and Lydia facing rocky patches in their relationship.
The fifth series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 15 April 2012 on ITV2. The series concluded on 27 May 2012 and consisted of ten episodes. A "The Only Way Is Marbs" special aired on 13 June 2012 and is included on the Series 5 DVD. This is the first series to include new cast members Danni Park-Dempsey, Tom Pearce and Joan Collins, who is the mother of Gemma Collins. It is the last series to include Georgina Dorsett, who made her debut during the previous series. The series mainly focused on the bitter fallout between Charlie and Gemma following their break-up and her spreading rumours about his sexuality, as well as the rekindled romance between Joey and Sam, and a new relationships for Tom K and Lydia, Ricky and Jess, and Lauren P and Tom P. It also included a divide between the boys of Essex, and Lucy and Mario getting engaged.
The sixth series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 22 July 2012 on ITV2. The series concluded on 22 August 2012 after ten episodes. This is the first series to include new cast members Darrell Privett, who is the ex-boyfriend of Lauren Pope, and was the only series to feature Jamie Reed, who later returned for two cameo appearances during the eighth series. It also included the brief return of original cast member Mark Wright, who made an appearance without a speaking part. His dad, Mark Wright Snr also returned to the series having previously appeared briefly in the third series. This was the final series to feature Lauren Goodger until her return during The Only Way Is Essexmas special in 2015. The series focused heavily on the rivalry between Lucy and Sam when Sam investigates rumours that Mario has been cheating, it also includes a love triangle between Lauren G, Lauren P and Tom P, and a declaration of love as Bobby realises the extent of his feelings towards Charlie.
The seventh series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 30 September 2012 on ITV2. The series concluded on 31 October 2012 after ten episodes. Following the series, three festive special episodes aired from 2 December to 19 December 2012, including one live episode. The Only Way Is Essexmas special episode is included on the Series 7 DVD and Britbox, however for unknown reasons the other two specials were aren't on this DVD. This was the first series to include brand new cast members and siblings Jasmin and Danny Walia. Jasmin had previously appeared during the Essexmas special of the first series auditioning for girl band LOLA.
"TOWIE Live" is the second episode of a series of special episodes airing throughout December 2012 of The Only Way Is Essex. The episode originally aired live on the ITV2 television network in the United Kingdom on 3 December 2012, becoming the first reality television series to ever broadcast a live episode.
The eighth series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 24 February 2013 on ITV2. The series consisted of 12 episodes. Series 8 marked the first series not to feature Lydia Bright, after her departure from the series in December 2012. The series also saw the departure of numerous supporting cast members and introduced new supporting cast members.
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.
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 twelfth 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 began on 22 June 2014 and started with two The Only Way Is Marbs specials. This series focused on the blossoming relationship between Chloe and Elliott, Bobby ending the romance between Harry after finding out he's still seeing his ex-boyfriend, the rivalry between Chloe and Ferne after cheating rumours came to light, and Arg's attempts to win back Lydia. It was the last series to feature on ITV2 before moving to ITVBe later that year.
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 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. It is the second series to be included in its current contract. The series will launch on 28 February 2016. Ahead of the series it was announced that cast member Jess Wright had quit the show having appeared since the first series in 2010. Ferne McCann also confirmed that she would be taking a break from the show but would be back. It will be the first series to include new cast members Chloe Meadows, Courtney Green, and Chris and Jon Clark. Jon previously appeared on ITV2's Love Island.
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 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.