TEN of The Only Way Is Essex stars will be departing in a huge shake-up by bosses, The Sun Online can exclusively reveal.

Popular characters including James Locke, Myles Barnett and Jon Clark have today been shown the door in the ITVBe show’s biggest ever cull.

9 These are the ten stars departing from The Only Way is Essex ahead of the new series

Jon's brother Chris, Kady McDermott, Dean Ralph, Jordan Wright, Yazmin Oukhellou and brother Adam were also given the boot after failing to impress producers who want to make room for new faces.

Chloe Lewis has mutually agreed with producers that she won’t be returning as a full time cast member.

The dramatic axing came as a shock to many who have been in the show as far back as 2015.

Producers say Jon has struggled with the "intensity of the show" and needs a break.

A source told us: "Towie bosses have had their biggest ever casting drive so far in the show's history.

9 Myles Barnett has been shown the door Credit: Rex Features

9 Jon Clark has struggled with the 'intensity' of the show Credit: Getty Images - Getty

"Casting producers have been hanging out in all the top Essex hotspots like Sheesh to find the next generation of stars.

"As a result there will be some departures. Jon, Chris, Dean, Jordan, Myles and Kady have been told that they won’t be returning next series, although the door is always left open.

"Some of the stars have been told they’re departing before but have then come back."

They added: "Jon has really struggled with the intensity of TOWIE. Since last series he's really been working hard on getting himself into a good place and he's mutually agreed with TOWIE producers that it's best if he continues to take a break from the show."

9 Myles' girlfriend Kady who made an appearance last year will not be returning Credit: Instagram

9 Jon's brother Chris will no longer be on the show Credit: Chris Clark/Instagram

9 Dean - who was suspended last year - is going to focus on his business venture Credit: Rex Features

Meanwhile Myles is being told to step aside because he hasn't got any "real friendships" in the cast following his split with Courtney.

His girlfriend and former Love Island star Kady - who had a showdown with his ex Courtney last series - will also not feature in any future episodes.

Adam Oukhellou is also included in the list of other quieter characters who have been overshadowed by bigger personalities on the cast.

Towie’s Chloe Lewis and Shelby Tribble look stunning in princess gowns as they film series finale

He's busy with multiple businesses and wants to focus on that for the near future.

Our source added: "Chris wasn't seen on screen much last series apart from catching up with his brother Jon. Now he's not returning it's unlikely he'll make any appearances next series either.

"Meanwhile Dean is working full time and is growing a new business venture so his life is now outside of the TOWIE circle.

9 Chloe Lewis won't be on our screens next series Credit: Rex Features

"And after an explosive first series, Jordan struggled to find his place in the show amongst the other cast, so it's time for him to go."

Towie bosses are never afraid to make bold changes ahead of a new series.

Last year they got rid of seven famous faces including Amber Dowding and Mike Hassini.

A Towie spokesman said: "Every series we review our cast to ensure we're following the lives of those who are most interesting and willing to share their real lives and relationship highs and lows.

9 Adam Oukhellou is leaving after a short-lived romance with Chloe Sims Credit: Instagram

9 Essex boy Jordan Wright no longer has a place on the show Credit: MTV

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"A number of cast have been notified that they're not being contracted for the start of series 24 as we look to bring in some fresh new faces, however we've always maintained that cast can return as and when the timing is right for them and the show.

"It's how TOWIE has stayed so fresh and exciting for nearly a decade.

"We remain grateful to every single cast member that has featured in TOWIE and contributed to its huge success."

Kady McDermott and Courtney Green clash on Towie in explosive teaser

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