Speculation is mounting that two of The Only Way Is Essex's most iconic stars may have quietly departed the long-running ITV reality series after conspicuously missing a major overseas filming trip. Amy Childs and Lauren Goodger, both original cast members from the show's 2010 inception, were notably absent as the TOWIE ensemble jetted off to Vietnam for a special episode, fuelling rumours of their potential exits.
Vietnam Trip Highlights Notable Absences
On Tuesday, cameras captured the familiar faces of Harry Derbidge, Joe Blackman, Junaid Ahmed, James 'Diags' Bennewith, Jodie Wells, Ella Rae Wise, Elma Pazar, Dan Edgar, and Courtney Green preparing for their thirteen-hour flight to Southeast Asia. However, the absence of Childs and Goodger was immediately conspicuous, raising eyebrows among fans and insiders alike.
A source close to production revealed to The Sun: 'Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs won't be flying out to Vietnam to join the rest of the cast in this series. Despite hopes that they'd join the cast later in the trip, they've decided to skip the cast away trip altogether.'
Original Cast Members Opt for Essex Filming
The insider elaborated that both women remain committed to the current series but have chosen to film their segments closer to home. 'Lauren and Amy will still be on this series, but have opted to stay at home in Essex. While the gang are out in Vietnam, Lauren and Amy will still be filming scenes from Essex and giving fans updates on their life.'
Goodger, who rejoined the cast permanently in 2024 after several guest appearances, and Childs, who returned in 2020 after her initial 2011 departure, are described as 'letting the younger cast take the lead this series when it comes to the abroad trip.' The source attributed their absence to busy work schedules, noting that 'Lauren appeared on the Portugal trip last year and had a blast, but she's busy with work projects and same with Amy.'
Wider Cast Shake-Up Continues
This development follows a significant period of cast turbulence for TOWIE. Just last month, Roman Hackett announced his permanent departure from the series to focus on 'the next stage of his career.' The 23-year-old, who joined in 2021, confirmed his exit via social media, thanking fans for their support throughout his journey.
Simultaneously, reports emerged that Love Island's Sammy Root, who joined TOWIE in 2024, would not return for the upcoming season. A production source explained: 'Sammy wants to explore new opportunities and producers felt like his storyline had run its course, but the door is always open for him to come back in the future.'
Additional Departures and Extended Breaks
The cast changes extend further. Matilda Draper, Roman Hackett's Love Island star girlfriend who appeared in a guest capacity, is also expected to depart following Hackett's exit. Meanwhile, veteran cast member Chloe Meadows, who joined the series nine years ago, is reportedly taking an extended break from TOWIE to pursue other ventures.
An insider revealed: 'Chloe believes it's the right time to take a little break from the show and won't be appearing in the upcoming series. She's given so much to the show and is still really committed to TOWIE but at the moment she also wants to focus on other ventures.' Producers have reportedly assured Meadows she would be 'welcomed back with open arms' should she decide to return.
Recent On-Screen Tensions
The cast reshuffle follows a particularly dramatic Christmas special that saw tensions boil over during what viewers dubbed 'the dinner party from hell.' The episode featured explosive confrontations between multiple cast members, including a heated exchange between Joe Blackman and Amy Childs regarding her cousin Harry Derbidge's past relationship with Junaid Ahmed.
The festive gathering descended into chaos as cast members shouted across the table, with Childs declaring she would 'always protect' her cousin and telling Blackman: 'You're never going to be my mate, let's leave it at that.' The dramatic scenes left viewers stunned and highlighted the ongoing interpersonal conflicts that have become a hallmark of the reality series.
As TOWIE prepares for its upcoming series without several familiar faces, fans are left wondering whether the absence of Childs and Goodger from the Vietnam trip signals a more permanent departure for the original stars. With the show's cast in a state of significant flux, the Essex-based reality programme appears to be entering a new era with a refreshed lineup and evolving dynamics.
