The Only Way is Essex original stars now as show celebrates 15-year anniversary

The Only Way is Essex is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary this year, and it's marking the occasion with a bang. The ITV2 reality show will kick off the new series with a cast trip to Portugal.

Fans won't have to wait much longer for the return of the show, as it airs on Sunday 17 August on ITV2 and ITVX.

Despite some fresh faces joining the mix, viewers are still captivated by the original cast members who brought drama, fights and romances that the British public couldn't resist.

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It's been 15 years since we first met characters like James Argent andAmy Childs, but what are the original TOWIEcast up to now?

Mark Wright (Series 1-3)

From the moment he burst onto our screens, Mark Wright was the ultimate heartthrob. In the first series, Mark was dating his childhood sweetheart Lauren Goodger, and was often seen with his best mate James Argent.

Since then, Mark has become one of TOWIE's most successful alumni.

He's now married to the incredibly talented Michelle Keegan, and they welcomed their first child together in 2015, ten years after tying the knot.

Now 38, Mark works as a DJ on Heart radio and runs his own health and fitness company, Live Wright. He also renovated his marital home with Michelle, sharing stunning photos of the transformation on Instagram.

Amy Childs (Series 1, 2 and current)

Amy became a viewer darling the moment she graced our screens thanks to her bubbly and entertaining character, and naturally, she made the word "vajazzle" famous which had Essex completely obsessed.

Following her stint in the opening two series of TOWIE, Amy landed her own programme titled It's All About Amy, and took part in Celebrity Big Brother, finishing in fourth place in 2011.

Amy has recently returned to the reality programme. She's also mum to four youngsters, and is in a romance with First Dates personality Billy Delbosq.

Maria Fowler (Series 1-3)

Maria was part of the programme from day one but later stunned audiences when she embarked on a short-lived on-screen relationship with the late Mick Norcross.

But her television journey took a different direction when claims emerged that she'd been working as an escort. Following three series she departed the popular reality programme 'by mutual consent'.

Maria has since withdrawn from public attention and is now a devoted mother of two. She welcomed her second baby in 2021.

The former reality personality is wed to Kalvin Batey and describes herself as a permanent makeup specialist.

Harry Derbridge (Series 1-3 and current)

Harry was amongst TOWIE's founding members and has remained a legendary fixture of the programme to this day due to his extravagant character and mischievous quips.

The personality stepped away from the programme before making a short comeback in the 2014 series and is presently part of the lineup after returning permanently in 2022.

Sam Faiers (Series 1-11)

Sam Faiers, a key figure in the inaugural episode of TOWIE, was at the heart of many dramatic storylines and rollercoaster romances.

Initially, she was entangled with Mark Wright, despite his on-again off-again relationship with Lauren Goodger. In the second series, Sam kindled a romance with Joey Essex, leading to their engagement in the eighth series.

In March 2014, Sam announced her temporary departure from TOWIE after the conclusion of its eleventh series, due to her diagnosis with Crohn's disease.

She later starred in The Mummy Diaries on ITVBe alongside her sister Billie and their families, but left the show in 2021. The reality star is also a mother to Paul, eight, Rosie, six, and Edward, two, whom she shares with her boyfriend Paul Knightley.

She co-founded Revive Collagen and resides in Hertfordshire.

Billie Faiers (Series 2-18)

Following in her sister's footsteps, Billie joined the TOWIE cast in the second series. Unlike her sister, she wasn't involved in any romantic storylines, but often found herself in the midst of heated arguments.

After making a significant name for herself and establishing a personal brand, Billie decided to leave the reality show after five years to focus on her family and other business ventures.

Billie has been married to Greg Shepherd since 2019, and they have three children together. She frequently posts pictures of her family holidays, snaps of her beautiful home, and updates on her career, including her upcoming reality TV school with sister Sam.

Joey Essex (Series 1-10)

Joey Essex, a regular on the reality TV circuit, has appeared in numerous shows since his TOWIE days. His credits include I'm a Celeb, Love Island, Celebs Go Dating, and Dancing on Ice, to name just a few.

He's also been linked with a string of famous faces, including Love Island's Jessy Potts and Grace Jackson, as well as Stephanie Pratt from Celebs Go Dating. Currently, Joey is partnering with Amazon and attending a host of exclusive events.

Lucy Mecklenburgh (Series 1-10)

Lucy Mecklenburgh not only won over viewers during her time on TOWIE but also captured the hearts of Mark and later Mario on the show. She continues to be a force to be reckoned with, enjoying a highly successful career.

Since leaving TOWIE, Lucy has collaborated with brands like Very and PrettyLittleThing. She also runs her own company, RWL, which promotes women's health and happiness through exercise.

In her personal life, Lucy is engaged to actor Ryan Thomas, and they have two children together. The couple frequently share affectionate posts on Instagram, including recent snaps from their stunning holiday to St Kitts.

James 'Arg' Argent (series 1-19 and 21-23)

Arg became a household name after appearing on the reality show in 2010 with then-girlfriend Lydia Bright. Following his initial split from Lydia, he had an on-again, off-again relationship with Gemma Collins.

Between 2013 and 2015, Gemma was in a relationship with newcomer Rami Hawash, while Arg rekindled his romance with Lydia. In October 2014, Argent was temporarily suspended from The Only Way Is Essex due to a failed drugs test.

He made a comeback to the series but exited in 2018.

After his stint on TOWIE, Arg and Gemma continued their tumultuous relationship until it ended abruptly when she received a string of distressing text messages from him.

Arg has also battled with body image issues and in 2021 he revealed that he had undergone gastric sleeve surgery. Last year, he introduced his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson to the public before making a one-off return to TOWIE for the Christmas special.

He's now split with Nicoline following an incident in Spain when he pushed his now ex-girlfriend down a flight of stairs, causing the injuries, reported the Mirror earlier this year. He admitted his crime at a court in Spain where he received a six-month suspended prison sentence and a two-year restraining order.

Lydia Bright (Series 1-9 and 11-20)

Lydia catapulted to fame as part of the original cast of The Only Way is Essex in 2010. She became renowned for her turbulent relationship with fellow cast member James 'Arg' Argent.

Lydia and Arg's relationship history extends even beyond TOWIE as they have been in an on-and-off relationship since their teenage years. However, after his infidelity and drug use, Lydia decided to end things.

In August 2019, Lydia announced that she was expecting a baby. Loretta, born in March 2020, is Lydia's first child with her ex-partner Lee Cronin.

In 2024, Lydia introduced her new boyfriend Ben Davies to the public, but confirmed she was single again by the end of the year.

Chloe Sims (Series 1-23)

Chloe Sims, one of the longest-serving cast members of The Only Way Is Essex, left the show in 2022 along with her sisters Frankie and Demi Sims following off-camera 'disagreements'.

The rumours were confirmed when Chloe announced in July 2022 that she and her sisters would be leaving TOWIE to start their own show on OnlyFans TV, titled House Of Sims.

Her brother, former TOWIE star Charlie Sims, and his fiancée Georgia Shults are also part of the new venture. Chloe is currently living it up in LA and was recently linked romantically to Lionel Richie's son.

Lauren Goodger (Series 1-6 and 16-19)

Lauren was a TOWIE OG and during the first season she was in a relationship with Mark Wright before they split in 2012 after dating for 10 years.

She was on the show on and off for a few seasons before returning properly in 2024. She welcomed her daughter Larose into the world in 2021 with then-boyfriend Charles Drury. Lauren sadly lost her second daughter shortly after giving birth and has since split from Charles.

The Only Way is Essex will be back on Sunday, 17th August on ITV2 and ITVX.