Joey Essex has confirmed that he is returning to The Only Way Is Essex seven years after he left the show.

The 30-year-old is one of the biggest names to come out of the ITV reality series, having appeared between 2011 and 2013 before leaving to pursue a media career.

TOWIE will celebrate 10 years on the air in October with a special 'reunion' episode bringing back some of the most memorable characters from the last decade.

Posting on Instagram story, Essex was pictured in a TV studio adorned with TOWIE branding and was heard saying: "Bosh. I'm back baby. 10 year anniversary. I'm coming back for the series."

Others returning as part of the new series at large include Essex's cousin Chloe Sims, his best mate Diags and original star Amy Childs.

Sam Faiers, who was briefly engaged to Essex, has recently insisted that she will not be returning to the show.