The next series of The Only Way Is Essex will run to 18 episodes, ITV has confirmed.
The ITVBe reality show has yet to air in 2020, with plans to shoot a new series in March being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Filming on the show finally resumed on Monday, however, and ITV has now revealed that the super-sized series will run to 18 episodes.
In addition to the new series there will be a one-off 60-minute special edition of TOWIE to mark its 10th anniversary in early October, with a number of former cast members expected to return.
ITV has also announced a 10-part spinoff series The TOWIE Years, to air exclusively on the ITV Hub. Each episode will focus on the highs and lows from a different year of the show's history, starting with the inaugural series in 2010.
"In its decade on screens TOWIE has produced some of the most jaw-dropping, talked-about TV moments in reality TV history," said Paul Mortimer, ITV's head of digital and acquisitions.
"As we reach this milestone year for the show, what better opportunity to look back and remember everything that's made The Only Way Is Essex an unmissable 10 years of TV."
The new series of TOWIE will air Sunday nights and Wednesday nights on ITVBe, although the broadcaster has not yet announced a start date.
Neil Wilkes
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