Pete Wicks leaves TOWIE after seven years in blow to star's fans
The Only Way Is Essex is about to lose another hit star, as Pete Wicks has reportedly quit the ITVBe show after seven years - while it is yet to be confirmed by himself or ITV.
The star rose to fame on the series, while he has since featured in other big shows including Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Now, it's claimed Pete will break the news to fans that his TOWIE days could be over, with him planning to pursue new projects.
It's thought he has other TV projects in the works he hopes to focus on, bringing an end to his time on the show after some huge moments.
According to MailOnline, Pete is set to announce the news to fans himself.
TOWIE's Chloe Brockett makes cheeky dig at Saffron Lempriere during filmingAn insider revealed to the publication: "Pete is a hugely loved member of TOWIE both among viewers and the cast.
"But it's time for him to move on now, he's slightly older than the rest of the cast, and he's hoping to achieve more in his career after being on the show for such a long time.
"It's been a monumental stint and his storylines will go down in TOWIE history but for now he's taking a step away."
A second source added: "Pete will continue to cameo on TOWIE when it makes sense to appear alongside his friends, but he will no longer be a fully-fledged cast member."
The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment on the story.
Pete has enjoyed a number of romances on the ITVBe series over the years, which were all well documented on the show.
From Megan McKenna to Chloe Sims and Ella Rae Wise, all of his big romances have featured on the show - often seeing fiery showdowns and all sorts of drama play out on screens.
Pete's exit follows Chloe Sims' own departure, along with her sisters Demi and Frankie, last year.
A representative for the show confirmed the news at the time saying: "After dedicating over a decade to TOWIE, Chloe Sims has decided to depart the show.
"Chloe has been an iconic cast member and feels like it's the right time to leave the show, as she enters a new chapter in her life."
Love Island breaks record as Molly-Mae Hague became parent to 8th baby from showThe spokesperson added that "the door will always be open" for Chloe, 40, and confirmed her sisters Demi and Frankie would also not appear in the next series.
The Only Way Is Essex is available now on ITVX.