Towie’s James Lock and Yazmin Oukhellou are latest victims of show’s biggest ever cull

TURBULENT Towie couple James Lock and Yazmin Oukhellou will not return on-screen in the next series, The Sun Online can exclusively reveal.
The pair have agreed to "take a back seat" after a difficult year following Yaz's battle with depression and anxiety.
Their exit comes after we revealed eight famous faces have been shown the door in the ITVBe show's biggest ever cull.
Since taking a break at the end of the last series, Lockie and Yaz have been working hard to fix their strained relationship.
They hope that by leaving the show for the foreseeable future they can finally get back on track.
A source within the production team told The Sun Online: "Lockie and Yaz's turbulent relationship has been well documented.
"Since taking a break at the end of last series they have been working hard on themselves and their relationship.
"They mutually agree with producers that taking an extended break and a back seat is best for them and the show at this time but as two of the show's most popular characters we're sure they'll be back onscreen soon."
Yesterday we revealed Myles Barnett, Jon Clark, Dean Ralph, Chris Clark, Jordan Wright, Adam Oukhellou and Kady McDermott have been axed in a huge shake-up by bosses.
Chloe Lewis also mutually agreed that she won’t be returning as a full time cast member.Producers have been preparing for the 24th series of Towie by hanging out in all the top Essex hotspots like Sheesh to find the next generation of stars.
Despite first launching back in 2010, Towie is still at the top of its game as it continues to launch the careers of some of the biggest reality stars on telly.
Original cast member Mark Wright is now a hugely popular presenter in America after landing a top job on TV show EXTRA.
Meanwhile Gemma Collins has become a legend in her own right and is currently entertaining fans with her starring role in ITV's Dancing On Ice.
But for Lockie and Yaz, their Towie journey has come to an end as producers give them the space they need to focus on their relationship.
Show bosses insisted they don't want to take any chances after Yaz's on-screen breakdown led to her admitting she was battling mental health issues.
Now they plan to travel back and forwards between Essex and Morocco where they are setting up an exciting new business.
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A source close to the couple said; "They are currently in and out of Marrakesh building a health, fitness and well-being business.
"While working hard to build their brand that they're both very passionate about, they are also on a health and fitness drive and taking the time to work on their relationship."
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