Towie fans shocked as show legend returns more than two years after quitting

FORMER Towie star Tommy Mallet is back on the show - after becoming a multi-millionaire thanks to his business empire.

The TV personality initially starred in the ITVBe reality series from 2014 and he last appeared in 2021.

Tommy, 31, was part of 14 instalments of the long-running show and appeared in 184 episodes of The Only Way Is Essex.

He left the programme to focus on his growing shoe business and his family with Georgia Kousoulou, 32.

But now he's returning to his roots for a new cameo on the show with Dan Edgar, 33, over two years since he left.

The designer told the : "I did go back and do a little scene with a dear friend of mine and I loved every minute of it,"

"I'm still mad tight with the people there, and if I can chip in and it helps, then I'll do it."

Tommy known for his Mallet shoe brand, and has built the line into a successful business as he is apparently worth £6million.

He founded the business in 2015 alongside his business partner Evren Ozka.

According to its , the brand is a "luxury fashion label. known for its premium footwear, combining slick designs with an urban aesthetic".

Despite his return, he previously admitted he had no intentions to going back onto TV because of his successful shoe empire.

Tommy explained: "I'm successful so nothing matters to me any more. I'm past that stage of being a reality TV star."

He previously quit the show in 2017 to focus on his business as he admitted that the show was a distraction for him.

He told The Daily Star: "I owe a lot to the show and I will always be part of it but it’s time to concentrate on my businesses.

"I’m working two jobs and I’m in big important meetings one day and on Towie the next getting ag, swearing and calling someone something too rude to print!"