Billie Faiers QUITS Towie in a bid to land her own show and focus on having more kids
Loss of star means only warring exes Lydia Bright and James Argent remain from original cast
BILLIE Faiers has quit TOWIE after six years - to pave the way for her own TV career.
The telly favourite handed in her notice to bosses at Lime Pictures last Friday after telling pals she wanted to concentrate on landing her own show.
Towie star Billie, 26, is also keen to focus on having more children with fiancé Greg Shepherd, who is dad to her two-year-old daughter Nelly Samantha Shepherd, as well as their forthcoming nuptials.
Despite this, Billie's fellow cast mates are said to be "devastated" but chiefs have told her that the door is open for her return to the hit ITVBe show should she change her mind.
A show insider said: "Towie bosses were shocked by her exit on Friday and the news quickly spread around the cast. Everyone is already mourning.
"It's no secret that Billie has a lot on her plate with her young daughter and marriage plans and to top it off she also wants to expand her family at some point.
"She was a brilliant and very funny member of the Towie family and was a natural in front of the camera from day one - producers have told her that the door is always open to her should she change her mind and want to return at some point in the future.
"She was a well loved member of the team and will be sorely missed by her friends on the show who are devastated that she's chosen to leave."
Billie, who has been on Towie since series two, is keen to follow in her sister Sam's footsteps - who quit the show in 2014 to get more telly gigs.
Sam, 25, filmed her own ITVBe series called Sam Faiers: The Baby Diaries in February and recently landed a follow up called Sam Faiers: The Mummy Diaries.
Meanwhile, TOWIE bosses are now on the lookout for new cast members following Billie's decision to leave.
Her departure means former lovebirds James 'Arg' Argent and Lydia Bright are the sole survivors from the first series in 2010.
An ITV spokesman said: “Billie has recently made us aware that she would like to prioritise family life and little Nelly for the rest of the year. We are in full support of this decision and will continue discussing with her how best to move forwards. Billie is a much loved and valued member of the Towie team and we are happy she wants to continue working with us.”
Got a story? Email bizarre@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 0207 782 4037