TOWIE 'set for therapy-style spin-off' as former stars with Gemma Collins and ex-boyfriend James Argent tipped to return

The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) is reportedly set for a therapy-style spin-off, with former cast members returning to revisit significant moments in their lives.

Reports suggest that ITV bosses have already given the green light for the new format which could see stars such as Gemma Collins and ex-boyfriend James Argent return for a 'showdown'.

The reality show has been on the air since 2010 and across its 38 series has seen the cast go through everything from marriages, babies, break-ups and family tragedies.

And now it seems that fans will get to delve deeper into the lives of the cast, as each episode will allegedly see them sit with therapists while they pour their hearts out on screen.

TOWIE producers were said to have pitched the new idea to top telly bosses at ITV, with them having approved of the format. 

A source told The Sun: 'Towie is known for documenting everything from births and breakups to deeply personal turning points. And now they want to place the show’s stars in a more introspective spotlight.

'Each episode will pair a cast member with a therapist, inviting them to open up on camera about defining moments in their lives.'

The source went on to suggest a number of hard-hitting subjects could be explored including Lauren Goodger discussing the heartbreaking loss of her baby daughter Lorena, and Harry Derbidge opening up about his eating disorder.

It could even see former lovers Gemma and James come face-to-face to rake over their failed romance. 

The insider continued: 'It’s in the early stages at the moment but the show is coming together and ITV and the production company are really keen to push ahead. It feels fresh and new, and gives fans of Towie even more content from their favourite faces.'

It is thought the new show will begin filming and air sometime next year. 

The Daily Mail has contacted ITV representatives for comment. 

The news comes amid major drama and tensions for the current cast, with Elma Pazar and Harry Derbidge at loggerheads. 

Breaking her silence on the feud, which occurred last year while filming in Vietnam, Elma told Billie Faiers on her You Alright, Hun? Podcast: 'We were really close, at one point we were inseparable.

'I was on the phone to Harry all the time, we lived through a lot together – we lived through Harry’s worst days together. I’d say it was extremely hard for Harry but it was hard for both of us because you do take on your friends’ problems.

'You’ll see, but I’d say we’re taking steps forward, but I would say there are no more steps.'

On whether their friendship was salvageable, she continued: 'I think it was going in that direction and obviously Albania was nice but it was still very much like co-existing and keeping each other at arm’s length.

'I was quite stern and had no intention of making up with Harry anyway, so for me it probably didn’t upset me as much as he would have wanted me to be upset by it. It is what it is.'

Elsewhere, Lauren previously revealed her 'relationship is done' with her 'diva' TOWIE co-star Junaid Ahmed after a huge fallout while filming the ITV series in Albania. 

The TV personality, 39, left her daughter Larose to film abroad the hit series as best pal Junaid got engaged to Joe Blackman. 

But Lauren has now said she fears the worst for their friendship after he became a 'diva' and 'really upset' her during a 'terrible' argument. 

She told The Sun: 'Me and Junaid fell out. Junaid's under a lot of pressure – he got engaged. I was there supporting them 100 per cent. I just felt like he wasn't really there for me, as a friend, nowhere to be seen. He was on one, being a diva.

'I've been Joe and Junaid's number one supporter from day one and had their backs – literally against all the rest of the cast, who don't particularly like them, I've always stuck up for them.'

She added: 'I couldn't be around it. I was really upset. I didn't know where it was going to go – I left it on… the relationship is done. It was terrible. Really terrible.

I didn't know if I was ever going to be alright with him again, because I was in such a vulnerable situation. I don't like going away, let alone without my daughter. It was a big step for me and I just felt like I didn't need to be shouted at.'