Three New Faces Join TOWIE Cast for Southeast Asian Adventure
The upcoming series of The Only Way Is Essex will feature three new cast members who have joined the production team in Vietnam for special episodes. The ITVBe reality show recently filmed in Southeast Asia, sparking initial concerns when two established stars were absent from the overseas trip.
New Additions to the Essex Ensemble
Twins Jonnie and Joe Gurie, who maintain a joint Instagram presence under the handle @guriebrothers, made a stylish arrival at the JW Marriott Cam Ranh Bay Resort. One brother showcased a green linen shirt paired with matching green and white striped shorts, completing his ensemble with sandals, Ray Ban sunglasses, and a watch. His twin opted for a similar aesthetic with a white shirt, striped shorts, and camel-coloured sandals, accessorising with a gold pendant, black Louis Vuitton pouch, and sunglasses.
They were accompanied by newcomer Josh Francis, who sported a cream short-sleeved shirt, black shorts, and black velcro strap sandals, styling his hair into curly locks with sunglasses perched on his shirt.
Established Cast Members Make Their Entrance
The remainder of the TOWIE cast arrived at the Vietnamese resort dressed to impress. Elma Pazar beamed in a striking yellow co-ord set, complemented by a chain bag and cowboy boots. Her close friend Courtney Green dazzled in a white off-the-shoulder crop top with matching shorts, cowboy boots, and a petite pink Channel bag.
Junaid Ahmed and his partner Joe Blackman appeared affectionate as they arrived hand-in-hand. Junaid selected a blue polo shirt with matching shorts and white Nike Air trainers, while Joe chose a striped shirt with yellow shorts and coordinated footwear.
Other cast members included Wills Childs in a casual grey t-shirt and charcoal shorts, James "Diags" Bennewith in a white t-shirt and black shorts, and his girlfriend Jodie Wells in a black floral knit crop top with matching shorts. Freddie Bentley looked relaxed in a cropped light pink shirt and brown striped shorts, while Harry Derbidge opted for an all-black outfit featuring an embroidered black shirt, Nike shorts, and sandals.
Livvy Jay displayed her figure in a marble print mini dress with gold bangles, a silver watch, black sandals, and Fendi sunglasses. Dani Imbert wore an animal print co-ord over her bikini, while Ella Rae Wise impressed in a cream knitted halter neck top and skirt, accessorised with a cowboy hat, brown sandals, and bag. Dan Edgar appeared cheerful in a khaki green shirt and cream shorts, completing his look with cream clogs and clear sunglasses.
Veteran Stars Continue Involvement from Essex
Despite initial concerns when they missed the Vietnam filming, established cast members Amy Childs and Lauren Goodger will maintain their participation in the series. A source revealed that both stars have chosen to remain in Essex while the younger cast members undertake the overseas trip, with filming continuing simultaneously in both locations.
Lauren Goodger, an original cast member from the show's 2010 debut who rejoined permanently in 2024, and Amy Childs, another founding member who returned in 2020, will film scenes locally while providing updates on their lives to viewers.
Recent Cast Departures and Changes
The series has experienced several cast changes recently. Roman Hackett announced his permanent departure to focus on his career development, while Chloe Meadows plans to take an extended break from the show to explore other opportunities. These moves have also affected Love Island star Matilda Draper, whose involvement was primarily through her relationship with Roman.
Additionally, Sammy Root, who joined TOWIE in 2024 after appearing on Love Island, will not return for the upcoming season following mutual agreement with producers. His storyline, which included relationships with Livvy Jay and Elma Pazar, has reportedly reached its natural conclusion.
Continuing Drama and Viewer Engagement
The Christmas special episode featured intense confrontations between cast members, particularly surrounding the complex relationships between Junaid Ahmed, Joe Blackman, and Harry Derbidge. Amy Childs vigorously defended her cousin Harry during heated exchanges that viewers described as "the dinner party from hell."
As the series prepares for its Vietnam special episodes, the blend of new faces, established stars, and ongoing personal dramas promises to maintain the show's signature blend of fashion, relationships, and Essex lifestyle that has captivated audiences for over a decade.
