The cast of The Only Way Is Essex has embarked on a dramatic change of scenery, swapping their usual Spanish haunts for the exotic shores of Vietnam to film the upcoming series. In a bold move by ITV, the show's traditional abroad special locations of Marbella and Tenerife have been replaced with the luxurious JW Marriott Cam Ranh Bay Resort, setting the stage for fresh drama and stunning visuals.
Fashion Statements Steal the Show
As filming commenced with late-night scenes, the TOWIE stars arrived dressed to impress, leaving little to the imagination with their eye-catching ensembles. Livvy Jay commanded attention in a skintight black gown featuring a daring cutout that showcased her toned stomach and hourglass figure.
Ella Rae Wise made a racy statement in a strapless black dress with a corseted bodice crafted from semi-sheer lace, cinching dramatically at her tiny waist. Meanwhile, Danni Imbert turned heads in a striking blue halterneck dress with a keyhole cutout that revealed both underboob and her golden tan.
Diverse Style Choices Across the Cast
The fashion parade continued with Elma Pazar dazzling in a leopard and rose print minidress that featured a dangerously low backless design. Harry Derbidge opted for a more eclectic look, pairing a black satin waistcoat with cropped jogging bottoms and leather loafers.
James 'Diags' Bennewith appeared in high spirits, ready for filming in a patterned linen shirt and cream trousers. He was joined by Dan Edgar, who cut a casual figure in a plain cream T-shirt and green trousers, and new star Will Childs, who chose a similar aesthetic with a black shirt.
Jodie Wells showcased her legs in a green wrap miniskirt paired with a strapless baby pink crop-top, while Courtney Green embraced animal print with a zebra-print co-ord featuring an off-the-shoulder crop top and matching maxi skirt that highlighted her slender waist.
Coordinated Couples and Fresh Faces
Junaid Ahmed and boyfriend Joe Blackman arrived in matching golf-inspired outfits, both sporting polo neck shirts and white shorts. The couple shared a loving moment, pausing to pose together and exchange a quick kiss before Freddie Bentley joined them in cut-off denim shorts and a sleeveless white vest.
This exotic filming location comes alongside significant cast changes, with reports indicating that a fresh group of 18 and 19-year-olds are joining the series to inject new energy. A source revealed that TOWIE has always featured younger faces at the heart of its drama, which aligns perfectly with its ITV2 audience.
Notable Absences and Departures
Despite the glamorous setting, several original cast members were conspicuously absent from the Vietnam trip. Amy Childs and Lauren Goodger, who both starred in the show's inaugural 2010 series, opted to remain in Essex rather than join the overseas filming.
Sources indicate that both women are focusing on work projects and are allowing younger cast members to take the lead during this abroad special. However, they will still feature in the series, with filming continuing simultaneously in Essex to ensure the drama remains plentiful.
Further Cast Changes Ahead
The series faces additional transitions with three stars reportedly departing. Roman Hackett announced his exit in December after four years to pursue the next stage of his career, while Chloe Meadows, a nine-year veteran of the show, is taking an extended break and hasn't signed up for series 37.
Show bosses have expressed that Chloe remains a much-loved member of the cast and would be welcomed back if she decides to return. Meanwhile, Love Island star Sammy Root, who joined TOWIE in 2024, won't be returning for the upcoming season following a mutual agreement with producers who felt his storyline had reached its natural conclusion.
These changes represent a significant evolution for the long-running reality series as it embraces both exotic new locations and a refreshed cast dynamic while maintaining its signature Essex flair and dramatic storytelling.
