TOWIE star Josh Francis dropped after two series

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 12:37 · Archive

Josh Francis, a 25-year-old bricklayer, has been dropped from The Only Way Is Essex ahead of series 39.

Josh Francis, a 25-year-old bricklayer from Essex, has been dropped from The Only Way Is Essex ahead of series 39. ITV producers have "rested" him from the show, though the door remains open for a potential return.

Francis joined TOWIE in series 37 earlier this year, introduced alongside twin brothers Jonnie and Joe Gurie. The trio featured in scenes filmed during a cast trip to Vietnam and continued to appear in series 38. His original contract was for two series, which has now ended.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Francis said he was "caught off guard" by the decision but stressed that the departure was amicable. "It's all ended amicably, but yeah, I'm getting rested for the next series, it's come as a surprise," he said. He acknowledged understanding the reasoning behind the move: "There were no major storylines, so of course, I understand that."

Francis said he had forged strong friendships with fellow cast members during his time on the show. According to the outlets, sources close to Francis claimed he had previously been approached about appearing on Love Island but was unable to take part while under contract with TOWIE. Francis also told the Daily Mail he had other opportunities in the pipeline that he was interested in pursuing.

How it is being reported

• TOWIE star axed ahead of new seasonFormer TOWIE star Josh Francis reportedly will not return for series 39 after ITV producers “rested” him, amid claims he was previously approached for Love Island.Colchester Gazette · 8 Oct, 12:26
• TOWIE star axed ahead of new seasonFormer TOWIE star Josh Francis reportedly will not return for series 39 after ITV producers “rested” him, amid claims he was previously approached for Love Island.Echo (Basildon) · 8 Oct, 12:26
• TOWIE star axed ahead of new seasonFormer TOWIE star Josh Francis reportedly will not return for series 39 after ITV producers “rested” him, amid claims he was previously approached for Love Island.Brentwood Guardian · 8 Oct, 12:26
• ITV The Only Way Is Essex cast member axed after just two seriesJosh Francis, who joined TOWIE in series 37, has been "rested" from the show although ITV bosses have left the door open for the Essex star's returnEssexLive · 8 Oct, 11:08

In this story: Josh Francis · The Only Way Is Essex · ITV · Jonnie Gurie · Joe Gurie · Essex · Vietnam · Love Island

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem