According to an interview with the Daily Mail, Essex bricklayer Josh Francis, 25, has been told he is being “rested” by producers and will not feature in the upcoming 39th series of the ITV reality programme.
Francis joined the long-running show earlier this year and was introduced to viewers during scenes filmed in Vietnam alongside fellow newcomers Jonnie and Joe Gurie.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Francis said he was “caught off guard” by the decision but stressed that his departure was amicable.
The publication reported that he was informed during a meeting with executives and that his original contract was for two series, which has now ended.
The Daily Mail also reported claims from sources close to Francis that he had previously been approached about appearing on Love Island but was unable to take part while under contract with TOWIE.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Francis said: “I was a bit caught off guard, as you can imagine. Nothing bad, though. It’s all ended amicably, but yeah, I’m getting rested for the next series, it’s come as a surprise.”
He also told the newspaper: “There were no major storylines, so of course, I understand that. So all I could really do was build good friendships with everyone already on the show, which I’ve done.”
Francis said the decision was “a bit of a shock” and “a bit frustrating” because he had been planning to focus more on the programme alongside his bricklaying and barbering work.
Despite his disappointment, he told the Daily Mail that “the door’s always open” and that his departure had ended on “good terms”.
It also reported that he had attracted interest from producers of other television programmes.
His reported exit comes amid wider speculation about potential cast changes on the Essex-based reality series.