In a dramatic departure from its sun-soaked European tradition, the next series of The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) is reportedly set to be filmed in Vietnam. ITV is ditching the usual haunts of Marbella and Tenerife for its overseas special, aiming to inject fresh energy into the long-running reality show.
A New Destination and a Youthful Revolution
According to reports, producers are trading the familiar Spanish costas for Southeast Asia, marking the show's most ambitious location shift yet. This comes as places like Marbella and Tenerife had become the norm for the summer series. Alongside the exotic new backdrop, a significant cast refresh is underway.
A fresh new group of 18 and 19-year-olds are joining the cast to shake up the dynamics. A source explained the move, stating: 'TOWIE has always had younger faces at the heart of the drama, which makes sense for the audience and the show's home on ITV2.' This influx of youth follows a series that celebrated the show's origins with the return of Lauren Goodger.
However, the radical change may surprise long-time fans. As one insider noted, viewers who remember 'the glory days of Sugar Hut and no carbs before Marbs might struggle to get their heads around Vietnam.'
Cast Drama Beyond the Filming Schedule
The location news emerges amidst off-screen controversy involving cast member Dani Imbert. The 27-year-old recently used TikTok to launch a rant against 'little pick-me girls' who 'look down their nose' at her for enjoying a party lifestyle.
In the video, Imbert declared her love for weekend partying and criticised those who judge her. She said: 'You're right, you could never keep up, you could never hold this energy that I hold when I go out every single weekend.'
The remarks were widely interpreted as a swipe at influencer and former Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague, 26, who is known for being a homebody and has publicly shared her dislike for heavy partying and drinking. Imbert added fuel to the fire by liking a comment that read 'More of this. Less Molly Mae' and replying 'How do I pin this' with emojis.
Fan Backlash and Lifestyle Contrasts
Molly-Mae's fans swiftly defended the star in the comments. One supporter hit back: 'Is this comment necessary??? Not everyone enjoys going out in short dresses looking to get laid... Molly is a classy girl who is making something of herself.' Another stated: 'Molly Mae is natural & classy sit down.'
This public spat highlights the contrasting lifestyles within the reality TV sphere. In 2024, Molly-Mae candidly admitted on her YouTube channel that she thinks she 'doesn't like having fun' and 'struggles to let her hair down', following an office Christmas party.
With a bold new filming location in Vietnam, a wave of teenage newcomers, and existing cast members generating headlines, the next chapter of TOWIE promises to be its most unpredictable yet. ITV has been contacted for comment regarding the production plans.
