The Only Way is Essex cast are said to have been left "gutted" after bosses of the show decided to postpone the new series due to the impact of Covid-19 on production.
The show - known simply as TOWIE - concluded its latest series in November last year with the cast and crew having been set to begin working on the thirtieth instalment soon.
It's understood that the reality TV series - broadcast on ITVBe - had been due to begin filming in the coming weeks, but this has now been delayed until "later in the year."
The upcoming series has been pushed back due to Covid - with filming social events and potential trips abroad expected to have proved a challenge at the moment.
The news was confirmed to the Mirror in a joint statement by broadcaster ITV and production company Lime Picture.
They said in the statement: "Owing to ongoing challenges posed by Covid, the forthcoming series of The Only Way is Essex will now be postponed until later in the year."
It's understood that the postponing of the new series will hopefully allow for a trip abroad, event nights and for the cast to film the show without social distancing.
According to the Sun, the constantly-changing rules around Covid have been "causing havoc" for production staff, which it said had prompted the delaying of filming for the series.
And a source is said to have told the outlet last night that whilst the cast are disappointed by the news, they're now "looking forward" to resuming filming at a later date.
They said: "The cast are obviously gutted as they were looking forward to getting back to filming. [They] have been reassured it will be worth the wait once the show returns."
The source further told the outlet that the new series will be a "must watch" for viewers as those involved in the production are "desperate to make up for lost time."
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The news comes after it was reported that bosses of the show had applied for two new trademarks - which would cover a series of potential expansions for the reality series.
It's been said that this could include alcohol, beauty products, TOWIE-themed holidays and exercise equipment.
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