The Only Way Is Essex recomissioned until 2017

The ITVBe reality show will now continue until the beginning of 2017, its production company Lime Pictures confirmed.

Derek McLean told The Sun: “We are so thrilled to announce we have been commissioned for six more series of TOWIE. It is not only the leading show for ITVBe, it is a huge priority for ITV in general.”

And it seems like Lime Pictures wants The Only Way Is Essex to continue forever.

Derek added: “We want TOWIE to become an ongoing, real-life soap opera. It is just as important to ITVBe as Coronation Street or Emmerdale are to ITV.”

The news of the show’s recommission comes after it was confirmed several stars will not be returning for the new series.

Last month Jasmin Walia admitted she’s ‘taking a break’ from the show and last week Ricky Rayment confirmed he’d quit.

Mario Falcone was also dropped from the line-up for the second time. He was previously suspended for being filmed allegedly taking drugs, and this time he broke the rules by promoting slimming pills online.

The likes of Gemma Collins, Chloe Sims, Ferne McCann and James Argent are currently filming the Marbella special, which will air on ITVBe next Sunday at 10pm.

Are you happy TOWIE is sticking around? Let us know via the comments box below.