The Only Way Is Essex cast are reportedly furious after bosses decided to change the format of the show.
The reality show, which first aired in 2010, usually has three series per year consisting of 12 episodes each.
But producers are said to want to change it to two 18-episode seasons annually.
A source told The Sun: “Producers are changing the running of the show into a ‘living soap’ so it will air for a two to three-month period instead of four to five weeks at a time.
“The decision has left some members of the cast angry as they believe the increase of hours on set will mean they won’t have time to fulfil their other other promotional and branding work.”
The new format will mean that the same number of episodes will air each year but the stars are said to think the filming will be “too gruelling”.
The insider added: “Some cast members are also concerned that the demands will be too gruelling so have asked for a pay rise.
“Their feeling is that if producers want them to work as soap stars then they want to be paid like soap stars.”
But a show source pointed out that the new format will actually give the stars a longer break between the series.
They said: “The new schedule gives them longer periods off filming and a break mid-series so is much better for them being unable to undertake other work.”
An ITVBe spokesman confirmed the change, saying: “Next year viewers can look forward to two extended series of The Only Way Is Essex on ITVBe, giving fans even more insight and access into the cast’s lives and loves.”
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