Towie axe Harry Derbidge, Tom McDonnell, Courtney Green, Chloe Meadows and more in biggest shake-up on the show ever

TELLY favourites Harry Derbidge, Tom McDonnell, Courtney Green and
Chloe Meadows are among those to be axed from The Only Way Is Essex, we can reveal.

The Sun told last night how at least ten stars are being culled in the biggest shake up in the ITVBe’s series’ history.

Harry, who was one of the show’s original characters, was told last night that he wouldn’t be returning as a regular member of the cast.

Courtney and Chloe both joined in 2016 and have each appeared in more than 140 episodes of the popular reality show.

Tom is a newer member of the Essex programme, having joined two years
ago before getting the boot.

A source said: “A lot of difficult conversations have been had in the last 24 hours. It’s never nice to tell someone their services are no longer needed but the producers have to do what is right for the show.

“They want more time focussing on fewer, and unfortunately some of those who haven’t had full, proper storylines had to go. They wish them all the best and are always here if they need the support.”

reports Harry Lee, 26, Kelsey Stratford, 20, and Clelia Theodorou, 26, are also likely to leave, but Chloe Brockett, 20, is waiting to find out her fate.

Amy Childs, 31, Amber Turner, 28, and James Lock, 34, are said to be safe.

The Sun revealed the mass axing last night, with veteran cast member Chloe Sims and her sisters Demi and Frankie, and Gatsby, among those who have been saved.

Insiders say they made the mass cull because they want it to “go back to basics” and focus on a smaller core cast of characters.

The most recent series of the show, running since 2010, featured as many as 47 characters in varying roles.

In a post on their social networks last night, producers confirmed the exodus.

It said: “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.”

Those who won’t appear regularly on-screen next series will always be
part of the TOWIE family and we wholeheartedly thank them for sharing
their lives with us in recent years.

They added: “This change allows our cast more time to film their real lives, showing more of their personal passions and professions, alongside their strong bonds and dynamics with family and friends.

“Those who won’t appear regularly on-screen next series will always be part of the TOWIE family and we wholeheartedly thank them for sharing
their lives with us in recent years.

“As always, their wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we will continue to offer welfare support if needed to all past and present TOWIE cast.

“We ask and urge all our viewers to think before commenting below, and
remember that #thesepeopleareallreal.

“Thank you to our audience for your continued support. TOWIE will be back soon for it’s 29th series on ITVBe, stay tuned for further announcements.”

A show source added: “We are always willing to keep the door open for
departing cast members to return.

“All of our current and departing cast members are offered access to our welfare officer, an independent psychological consultant, and a have number of advisory services to support them

“TOWIE will be back soon for its 29th series on ITVBe, with further announcements in due course.”