Producers of The Only Way Is Essex have confirmed that a large number of cast members have been dropped ahead of the new series starting this autumn.
In a statement, the ITVBe show said that the next series will "follow a smaller group of cast members" after the most recent run featured 47 different participants.
Although the identities of those axed is currently unconfirmed, a report in The Sun said that at least 10 big names have been dropped although Chloe Sims, her sisters Frankie and Demi, and Gatsby are all safe and confirmed to return.
The official statement said: "After more than ten fabulous years following the lives of our ever-growing cast, TOWIE will be evolving with some changes. As it looks ahead to future series' to come, the next instalment of our BAFTA award winning show returns to Essex to follow a smaller group of cast members.
"This change allows our cast more time to film their real lives, showing more of their personal passions and professions, alongside their strong bonds and dynamics with family and friends.
"Those who won't appear regularly on-screen next series will always be part of the TOWIE family and we wholeheartedly thank them for sharing their lives with us in recent years.
"As always, their wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we will continue to offer welfare support if needed to all past and present TOWIE cast."
TOWIE is expected to return for series 29 in September.
Neil Wilkes
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