| The Only Way Is Essex | |
|---|---|
| Season 5 | |
| No. of episodes | 10 + Marbs special |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV2 |
| Original release | 15 April – 27 May 2012 |
| Series chronology | |
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.
| Series No. | Episode No. | Title | Original airdate | Duration | UK viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 1 | "Episode 1" | 15 April 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,658,000 |
| The Essex gang are in shock as Arg shows off his new skinny look in preparation for the London Marathon. Gemma is faced with more worries about Charlie when she realises there is no passion between the pair, but when he finally asks her to get naked, she’s unimpressed when he expresses his desire to draw her instead. Sam opens up about her recent kiss with Joey, whilst Lauren G struggles to accept her weight. Elsewhere at a charity auction, Lucy isn’t happy when Mario kids for a day with Cara, and Jess agrees to go on a date with Ricky. | |||||
| 52 | 2 | "Episode 2" | 18 April 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,571,000 |
| Gemma delivers some home truths to Charlie about their relationship as she becomes fed up at him not paying her enough attention, whilst Lydia fumes at Arg for telling people he could easily win her back. At Joey’s Reem Relaunch party, Tom P is torn between the two Laurens, and Frankie fears that her brother is being used when she sees Joey and Sam getting close again. Elsewhere Gemma is embarrassed by Charlie’s outrageous dancing, Ricky reveals he’s received flirty texts from a mystery female, and Little Chris makes a failed attempt at asking Frankie out. | |||||
| 53 | 3 | "Episode 3" | 22 April 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,599,000 |
| Ricky’s mystery texter is the talk of Essex, but how long until the news reaches Jess? With still no luck in the bedroom, Gemma fears the real reason is that he’s spending too much time with Bobby. The boys bet on how Arg will do in the London Marathon, whilst Tom K announces his relationship worries with Billi. Lauren G is deleted when Tom P asks her to join him on a night out, whilst Sam gives Ricky a shock ultimatum over the texts. Taking Sam’s advice into account, Ricky confronts the mystery woman and tells her to stop contacting him – where it’s revealed to be Gemma. | |||||
| 54 | 4 | "Episode 4" | 25 April 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,686,000 |
| Arg makes plans to ask Lydia out at the finish line of the London Marathon but soon changes his mind when he learns of her recent one night stand, whilst Cara and Billi glam up for the run. Gemma makes sure she gets to Charlie first before he finds out from somebody else about her texts with Ricky, but he quickly ends their relationship when the truth is revealed. Tom K confides in Tom P over his worries about Billi always putting Cara before him, and Lydia is distraught after receiving abusive text messages from Arg. | |||||
| 55 | 5 | "Episode 5" | 29 April 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,600,000 |
| Billi and Tom K are forced to face the music when they discuss where their relationship is going, and Cara is put in an awkward situation following the break-up. A divide is forming between the boys after Mario hears Diags has made personal comments about him, whilst Joey takes Sam on a tour of Essex in a helicopter on their date. Lucy defends Lydia and has it out with Arg – leaving Mario no choice but to step in when it turns sour. Meanwhile Charlie confronts Ricky over his texts to Gemma, and Mick’s life is turned upside down after a house fire. | |||||
| 56 | 6 | "Episode 6" | 13 May 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,738,000 |
| Jess hears that Billi and Cara has been talking about her and Carol behind her back leaving her raging. After a conversation with the boys about how many girls they’ve been with, Charlie then confides in Little Chris over his amount, whilst Tom P asks Lauren P out on a date to a vineyard. Mick celebrates his birthday with a Vegas themed party where Jess angrily confronts the girls over their bitching, and accidentally drops Gemma and Arg in it when she reveals that they are their sources. Joey and Sam grow even closer, and Ricky sits on Arg’s new designer sunglasses. | |||||
| 57 | 7 | "Episode 7" | 16 May 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,430,000 |
| After having another run-in with Charlie over her comments about him, Gemma introduces her new boyfriend Rami to the group and also reveals that Arg has been asking her to do sexual favours for him. Lauren P and Tom P have a successful date where she breaks her rule by kissing him on their first date. Cara and Billi angrily confront Arg for going to Jess and telling her what they said about her, whilst Sam hosts a dinner party for the couples of Essex where he makes peace with Ricky. Mario and Diags’ feud continues. | |||||
| 58 | 8 | "Episode 8" | 20 May 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,456,000 |
| Arg is left crushed when Diags tells him that Tom K has been recently texting Lydia, and Sam fumes to hear that Joey has taken another girl home with him after a night out. Feeling betrayed by his friend, Arg goes to meet Tom K to find out why he’s been texting Lydia, but he faces more shocks when Tom tells him that the boys have been encouraging it. Elsewhere Mick shows off his new man cave, and despite denying the rumours Joey breaks things off with Sam. Lydia welcomes her best friend Danni into the group, and Tom P surprises Lauren P with flowers. | |||||
| 59 | 9 | "Episode 9" | 23 May 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,514,000 |
| Diags makes another enemy when Lydia expresses her hatred for him for telling Arg about her and Tom K, whilst the girls have an inkling that Gemma may have the hots for Arg. Sam is torn over what to do about Joey when he pleads for her forgiveness, and Jess has some good news to share with the group. Fed up of the gay remarks towards him, Charlie confronts Gemma at Bobby’s shop opening causing an almighty row between the pair. Lauren G feels annoyed with Tom P for moving on so quickly with Lauren P. | |||||
| 60 | 10 | "Episode 10" | 27 May 2012 | 45 minutes | 1,506,000 |
| The rivalry between the boys escalates and Diags is determined to confront Mario. Lauren comes face-to-face with Tom P questioning him over his decision to choose Lauren P over her. Gemma apologises to Bobby for ruining his open night, Joey is back in Sam’s good books after he writes her a love letter, and Arg confesses to Debbie that he was unfaithful to Lydia. Gossip quickly spreads around Essex that Gemma and Arg have recently got together, and Mario and Diags face off. Gemma tells Arg that she is in love with him before the pair share a kiss. | |||||
| 61 | 11 | "The Only Way Is Marbs" | 13 June 2012 | 60 minutes | 1,498,000 |
| As the group jet off to Marbella, Lucy isn’t impressed with Mario’s stand-off attitude. Gemma tells the girls that Arg has told her she is too fat to be his girlfriend, and Tom K and Billi finally discuss his new romance with Lydia. Lauren G gives Arg some advice as he wallows in his own self-pity, meanwhile Ricky and Jess spend the night together. Mario whisks Lucy off on a boat where he plans a romantic proposal – to which she says yes, but when the pair announce it to the group, Sam discusses rumours that could jeopardise their happiness. | |||||
| Episode | Date | Official ITV2 rating [1] | ITV2 weekly rank [1] | Official ITV2+1 rating [1] | Total ITV2 viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 15 April 2012 | 1,392,000 | 2 | 266,000 | 1,658,000 |
| Episode 2 | 18 April 2012 | 1,382,000 | 3 | 189,000 | 1,571,000 |
| Episode 3 | 22 April 2012 | 1,428,000 | 2 | 171,000 | 1,599,000 |
| Episode 4 | 25 April 2012 | 1,441,000 | 2 | 245,000 | 1,686,000 |
| Episode 5 | 29 April 2012 | 1,346,000 | 3 | 254,000 | 1,600,000 |
| Episode 6 | 13 May 2012 | 1,513,000 | 2 | 225,000 | 1,738,000 |
| Episode 7 | 16 May 2012 | 1,191,000 | 1 | 239,000 | 1,430,000 |
| Episode 8 | 20 May 2012 | 1,176,000 | 2 | 280,000 | 1,456,000 |
| Episode 9 | 23 May 2012 | 1,179,000 | 2 | 335,000 | 1,514,000 |
| Episode 10 | 27 May 2012 | 1,211,000 | 1 | 295,000 | 1,506,000 |
| Marbs | 13 June 2012 | 1,303,000 | 1 | 195,000 | 1,498,000 |
| Series average | 1,326,000 | 2 | 250,000 | 1,576,000 | |
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 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.
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 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.