ITV has ordered three more series of the hit reality entertainment series The Only Way is Essex for 2014 from Liverpool’s Lime Pictures.
TOWIE is now in pre-production for series 11 and will return to ITV2 next month. Series 12 is expected to go into production in the summer and finally series 13 will complete the year in the autumn.
Each series will launch with a 60 minute special and then include 11 x 45 minute shows.
Commissioner for ITV, Kate Maddigan said: “TOWIE has consistently produced those OMG moments that have kept the viewers glued to their screens. The show’s viewing figures and social media presence demonstrates how TOWIE’s fan base has never been stronger, and I’m looking forward to another year of Essex antics.”
The Only Way is Essex was the first constructed reality series of its kind in the UK and paved the way for other shows in the genre.
Head of non-scripted programming for Lime Pictures, Derek McLean said they were thrilled with the commitment.
“ This reaffirms their commitment to the show and also ensures TOWIE has an all-year round presence on the channel allowing Lime Pictures to continue producing the series for our audience as a live-in-soap.”
The real drama franchise was first shown in 2010 and has been part of the ITV2 schedule ever since. Series 10 achieved an average of 1.4 million viewers across the series (peaking at 1.5m) and the show continues to attract a strong fan base with unprecedented media coverage and a strong social media following. The show also enjoys an impressive number of views on ITV’s ITV Player service.
Last last year the company and ITV found themselves facing a claim from three parties saying TOWIE infringed their copyright. The case was due to be heard at the High Court, but reportedly reached a settlement for an undisclosed figure at the last minute.
