From the very first episode way back in 2010 (yes, it has been THAT LONG), TOWIE set the tone for a show that would be ravished by romantic complications.
With an ever expanding cast it was inevitable that wires would be crossed, lines would be overstepped and hearts would be broken. To begin with: Lauren Goodger's was trampled over more than her fair share by long term boyfriend and childhood sweetheart Mark Wright.
But that was just the tip of the iceberg, with triangles between James Argent, Lydia Bright and Gemma Collins AND a number featuring Demi Sims and Lauren Pope taking up considerable airtime over the years.
Here's a look back at some of the worst in TOWIE's history.
CHECK OUT: 11 of the worst TOWIE love triangles
TOWIE love triangles
Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger and Sam Faiers
The OG TOWIE triangle. When we were first introduced to the Essex lot, Mark was dating long term girlfriend Lauren but from the very first episode it was clear that he was less than committed by his outrageous flirting with one Sam Faiers.
James 'Arg' Argent, Lydia Bright and Gemma Collins
Gemma and Arg have had more ons and offs than a light-switch at closing time, but before Gemma was Arg's long-term love Lydia. It's been ongoing with Arg and Lydia regularly hanging out, and Arg often talking about how 'close' they are when he was still with Gem.
Lauren Pope, Chloe Sims and Mario Falcone
TOWIE OG's Lauren and Chloe formed a close bond during their lengthy reigns as Queen Bees, but in 2014 hit the rocks when they were both played by love rat Mario. But in a sisterly twist, Lauren ended up standing up for Chloe in a showdown with Mario in the penultimate episode of that series.
Jake Hall, Chloe Lewis and Lauren Pope
Jake Hall and Chloe Lewis had been dating for an impressive six years when a kiss with Lauren led to them nearly splitting up in 2016. As is often the way in reality telly land, soon after joining the cast as a couple, temptation called and after his rendezvous with the glamour model he lied through his teeth about it for months.
Chloe Sims, Amber Turner and Dan Edgar
Dan and Amber had a turbulent relationship from the beginning but during and on/off period in 2019 Dan and Chloe crossed the line from friendship to romance after a holiday fling in Thailand. However, it wasn't long before Dan went back to Amber, leaving Chloe hurt and humiliated.
Harry Lee, Frankie Sims and Chloe Brockett
First Chloe and Harry were dating, but after they split in 2019 Harry began cracking on with Chloe Sims little sister Frankie. But WAIT; in October 2019 Harry was caught flirting up a storm with his ex Chloe, leading to a series of blazing rows and the eventual demise of Hankie. Chloe later told Closer, "Harry is a good looking boy. I am close to him."
Gemma Collins, Rami Hawash and James Argent
It seems nothing ever ran smoothly with Gemma and Arg. In 2013, Arg was distraught when Gemma got engaged to businessman Rami but their betrothal was short lived and they split in 2014. Cue six years of back-ing and forth-ing with Gemma and Arg, before they eventually split "for good" in 2020, with Gemma now back dating Rami.
Shelby Tribble, Sam Mucklow and Tom McDonnell
Shelby and Sam are now proud parents to a bouncing baby boy but it wasn't always smooth sailing between them. During series 24 (and that fateful Thailand trip) Sam and Shelby grew romantic but when Sam had his head turned by Demi Sims, Shelby ended the series snogging Tom.
Charlie Sims, Ferne McCann and Jasmin Walia
Charlie and Ferne were an established couple but the series ten trip to Las Vegas certainly rocked their foundations when Charlie gave in to temptation. After sexting Jasmin, Charlie found himself alone with her and the two shared a snog, with him later coming clean to Ferne who was at home in Essex.
Diags, Fran Parman and Tom Pearce
This one got VERY complicated, given that Diags and Tom were best mates. While Diags couldn't admit that he was in love with his then housemate Fran, Tom decided to intervene by romancing Fran himself to try and give Diags the kick up the bum he needed. It was looking a bit iffy for a while there, but Diags and Fran ended up dating for three years with his friendship with Tom in tact.
Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger and Lucy Mecklenburgh
It was clear it was doomed from the start, wasn't it? In between (!) his flirtations with Sam Faiers and his actual relationship with Lauren Goodger, Mark was romancing a teenaged Lucy, and brought her to Lauren's charity fashion show. Cue tears and lifelong insecurity for our Loz. Sob.
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TOWIE has recently had a major shake up with a number of long-term cast members being axed from the show ahead of series 28.
The ITVBe show is no stranger to axing cast over the years, with many stars finding themselves shown the door over lack of storylines.
The shocking news was confirmed in a post across all social media platforms. The statement read, "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."
A whopping ten cast members were axed including Ella Rae Wise, Kelsey Stratford, Courtney Meadows and Courtney Green.
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Former hairdresser Ella made her TOWIE debut in 2019 alongside co-stars Kelsey and Chloe Brockett, having previously worked in a salon since she was 14.
In an Instagram Q&A with her followers, Ella revealed that she’s working on some exciting new projects, including training as an aesthetics practitioner – aka someone who gives cosmetic procedures like lip fillers and Botox.
Replying to a fan who asked if she had qualifications to be doing aesthetics, Ella replied, "Of course! I studied long & hard, passed all my tests, practicals & had the best 1-2-1 training."
And earlier this week the remaining cast members took to social media to confirm that filming for series 29 had begun, with a number of them heading to Bournemouth to film scenes.