The Only Way Is Essex | |
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Season 20 | |
No. of episodes | 18 |
Release | |
Original network | ITVBe |
Original release | 5 March 3 May 2017 | –
Series chronology | |
The twentieth series of the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex was confirmed on 3 June 2015 when it was announced that it had renewed for at least a further six series, taking it up to 21 series.[1] The series launched on 5 March with the cast going to Tenerife,[2] and concluded on 3 May 2017 after eighteen episodes, making this the longest series to date.[3] Ahead of the series it was announced that James Argent had taken a break from the series having only appeared in the first half of the previous series.[citation needed] It was also announced that Mario Falcone, Jamie Reed and Charlie King would all be returning to the series.[4][5] Lauren Pope also made a return to the series during the final episode,[6] and Fran Parman also made a brief return during this episode.
This was the first series to include new cast members Amber Turner, Myles Barnett, Yazmin Oukhellou,[3] Jack Rigden, Jordan Brook and Jade Lewis.[7] This was the final series to include cast members Ben Shenel and Ercan Ramadan, as well as Kate Wright who announced her departure ahead of the final episode.[8] This series focused on the end of the line for the relationship between Megan and Pete, a divide forming following the fallout between Chloe S and Megan,[9] as well as Gemma focusing her attention on having a baby.[10] It also includes Amber D and Chris.