Lovely Billie Faiers, who has been part of The Only Way Is Essex family for six long years, has revealed she is leaving the reality show to concentrate on her family and other television projects.
Billie and Sam Faiers were a huge part of the show from the very beginning, with both the girls always at the centre point of the most dramatic storylines – even their beloved mum was a permanent cast member!
Sam announced her departure in 2014 to concentrate on her relationship with Joey Essex (and to make an appearance in the Celebrity Big Brother house), with Billie staying on with baby Nelly to fly the flag for the Faiers family.
However, the girls have now both found happiness outside of the show and Billie’s role in the most recent series has been more sporadic, we’ve been seeing her and Nelly only on a ‘semi-regular’ basis.
Billie reportedly handed her notice in to Lime Pictures last week and will bow out of show at the end of this series.
Sob!
The cast are said to be "absolutely gutted", as it leaves only James Argent and Lydia Bright left from the original cast.
An ITV spokesman said: "Billie has recently made us aware that she would like to prioritise family life and little Nelly for the rest of the year.
"We are in full support of this decision and will continue discussing with her how best to move forwards.
"Billie is a much loved and valued member of the TOWIE team and we are happy she wants to continue working with us."
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