Towie future confirmed as ITV bosses reveal fate of long-running reality show ahead of 15 year milestone

THE Only Way Is Essex will be returning for another series in the autumn.

And the ITV favourite will be celebrating 15 years on air with a very special trip to Portugal for the first time ever.

FACEBOOK/TOWIESophie helped Jordan celebrate his birthday in the finale[/caption] FACEBOOK/TOWIEMatilda and Roman looked very loved up[/caption] FACEBOOK/TOWIEHarry finally seems to have put his issues behind him[/caption]

Last night series 35 came to an end, with the fate of some cast members hanging in the balance after a particularly emotional few months, featuring break ups and some irreparable damage amongst friendship groups.

Fans will pick up where they left off when the BAFTA winning show returns later this year.

The drama is set to unfold against the backdrop of golden beaches, secluded coves and turquoise waters as the Essex crew navigate the trials and tribulations of their relationships and rivalries.  

Rebecca Kenny-Smith, Creative Director, Unscripted, Objective Entertainment said: “This is Towie’s first trip to Portugal and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable getaway! 

“We’re anticipating lots of Towie antics in the Algarve and what better way to celebrate the milestone 15th anniversary. It’s fantastic to start the new series with a burst of sunshine and then we’re back in Essex for more drama.”

Series 36 also marks a homecoming for Towie as it will return to ITV2 and ITVX for its 15th

anniversary year, having initially debuted its first 12 series on ITV2. 

Viewers are concerned that one star who might not return is Ella Rae Wise – as she cryptically commented last night:  “@towie [cheers] to series 35! Over & outttt.”

It comes after The Sun revealed how Love Island bosses are lining her up for the new series.

We told this week that execs are in talks with the reality favourite to appear in the villa this summer following her bitter split with her boyfriend Dan Edgar and her stint on CBB.

Last night saw the gang celebrate Jordan’s 30th birthday with a Moulin Rouge themed party. 

It was a chance for Junaid and Joe to tell their cast mates how they have felt about being ostracised from the group.

As Joe broke down in tears, Sophie told him: “From today that can change.”

Elsewhere Saffron and Harry resolved their issues and Jordan and Sophie discussed their future.

Dan Edgar asked Ella Rae Wise to be his girlfriend – but since filming ended the relationship is over.

FACEBOOK/TOWIEDan and Ella were looking good – but have since split[/caption] Junaid and Joe revealed how they are feeling