For over a decade, The Only Way Is Essex has been the show you either love or love to keep up with. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to watch series 37 from Ireland or catching up on the latest cast news, this guide covers everything from streaming options to the recent tragedy that shook the TOWIE family.

Number of series: 37 (as of 2025) ·
Original network: ITVBe ·
First aired: 10 October 2010 ·
Country of origin: United Kingdom

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact cause of Jake Hall’s death (not publicly disclosed)
  • Specific net worth figures of cast members
  • Whether a series 38 will be produced
3Timeline signal
  • First episode: 10 October 2010
  • Moved to ITVBe in 2014
  • Jake Hall died 7 May 2025
4What’s next
  • Series 37 currently airing on ITVBe
  • Episodes available on ITVX after broadcast
  • No official word on series 38
Why this matters

For Irish viewers, the convenience gap is real: ITVX is geo-blocked, Virgin Media Player offers limited episodes, and Hayu requires a paid subscription. The simplest fix — a VPN — adds a technical step many casual viewers hesitate to take.

Here’s a quick overview of the show’s key details.

Six key facts about TOWIE, from first air date to episode count.
Attribute Value Source
Number of series 37 Wikipedia
Original network ITVBe ITV Official Site
First aired 10 October 2010 Wikipedia
Country of origin United Kingdom Wikipedia
Number of episodes Over 320 IMDb
Notable former cast Amy Childs, Joey Essex, Gemma Collins Wikipedia

How to watch The Only Way Is Essex in Ireland?

Streaming via ITVX

TOWIE is available on ITVX, ITV’s streaming service. The platform offers both free (ad-supported) and premium (subscription) tiers. New episodes of series 37 land on ITVX shortly after they air on ITVBe, typically around 9pm on Tuesdays.

The catch: ITVX is geo-blocked outside the UK. Irish viewers attempting to access the service will see a region-restriction message. That’s where alternative methods come in.

The trade-off

ITVX free tier has ads; the premium tier (£5.99/month) removes them and adds downloads. For the occasional TOWIE episode, the free tier works fine — but binge-watchers may want to upgrade.

Using a VPN to access ITVX from Ireland

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can bypass geo-restrictions by routing your connection through a UK server. Here’s a step-by-step — no technical jargon:

  1. Choose a VPN with UK servers (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are popular picks)
  2. Install the VPN app on your device
  3. Connect to a server located in the United Kingdom
  4. Open ITVX in your browser or app — the site should now load
  5. Create a free ITVX account (you’ll need a UK postcode — a London-area one works)
  6. Search for “The Only Way Is Essex” and start streaming

Some VPNs work more reliably than others — ITV’s detection software has improved over the years. A premium provider with dedicated UK IPs tends to perform best.

For Irish viewers, the best way to watch series 37 is to use a VPN with ITVX, though it requires a few extra steps.

Other platforms (BritBox, Amazon)

For Irish viewers who prefer not to use a VPN, Hayu — a reality TV-focused streaming service — carries TOWIE seasons. It costs €5.99/month and is available in Ireland. Past seasons are also available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, typically £1.89–£2.49 per episode.

The implication: no single platform in Ireland offers the full TOWIE library. Hayu has most seasons but may lag behind on the latest series. ITVX with VPN remains the most complete option for current episodes.

Which TOWIE star died today?

Jake Hall death announcement

Jake Hall, a former cast member of The Only Way Is Essex, died on 7 May 2025 at the age of 35. The Independent reported that Hall was found in a holiday villa in Santa Margalida, Majorca, Spain. Emergency services were called at 7:30am local time.

Cause of death (unconfirmed)

Spanish authorities have not publicly disclosed the official cause of death. According to reports, Hall sustained fatal head wounds from glass fragments reportedly after smashing into a glass door. The Spanish Civil Guard is investigating, and an autopsy was scheduled in Palma. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said it was supporting Hall’s family and in contact with local authorities.

Tributes from cast and fans

TOWIE cast members shared tributes on social media. His final Instagram post, uploaded on 5 May 2025, showed him painting, modelling, and with his daughter. Hall is survived by his ex-partner Missé Beqiri and their 8-year-old daughter River.

The pattern: Hall’s death marks the second high-profile loss for the TOWIE family, following the death of former cast member Kirk Norcross in 2022. Both died before age 35, raising conversations about the pressures of reality TV fame.

Is there going to be a series 37 of TOWIE?

Series 37 release date

Yes — Series 37 of TOWIE premiered in 2025 on ITVBe (Digital Spy). Episodes air Tuesdays at 9pm, with catch-up on ITVX. The series was filmed partly in Essex and included a cast trip to Vietnam, a franchise tradition for milestone seasons.

Where to watch series 37

The only official UK broadcaster is ITVBe. In Ireland, Virgin Media Ireland carries TOWIE on Virgin Media Three, though episodes may air at different times. Streaming alternatives include ITVX (with VPN), Hayu, and digital purchase on Amazon Prime Video.

Cast changes in series 37

Key returning cast members include Amber Turner, Joey Essex, Chloe Meadows, and Dan Edgar (Digital Spy). New additions have refreshed the dynamic — but Hall, who left the show years ago, was not part of the current cast. His death nonetheless cast a shadow over the series 37 premiere.

The upshot

Series 37 represents TOWIE’s ability to survive cast turnover, but the show’s formula hasn’t changed much: relationships, drama, and aspirational Essex living. Whether that longevity means quality or stagnation depends on what you want from reality TV.

The show’s resilience suggests it will continue beyond series 37, though cast turnover remains a constant.

Who is the richest from The Only Way Is Essex?

Top earners by net worth

Several former cast members have built substantial wealth through TV, fashion lines, and brand deals. According to various estimates (none officially verified):

  • Gemma Collins — reported net worth around £3–5 million, from clothing lines, reality TV, and a music career
  • Joey Essex — estimated £2–4 million, from his own reality shows, fashion, and public appearances
  • Amy Childs — reported £1–2 million, from her beauty business and media work
  • James Argent — estimated £500,000–£1 million, from TV appearances and music performances

Sources of income (brands, businesses)

TOWIE alumni have leveraged their fame into entrepreneurship. Gemma Collins launched a clothing line, a podcast, and a luxury candle collection. Joey Essex opened his own restaurant and starred in spin-off shows. The pattern is clear: a TOWIE stint is rarely a launchpad to lasting TV fame — it’s a springboard to direct-to-consumer businesses.

Current richest cast member

While Gemma Collins is widely cited as the richest TOWIE alum, no official net worth verification exists. The show’s cast members guard their financial details closely.

What this means: net worth figures for reality stars are notoriously unreliable. They mix reported earnings from TV, business revenue, and lifestyle inflation. The real metric may be longevity — and by that measure, Gemma Collins has stayed relevant longer than most.

What channel is the new Only Way is Essex on?

TOWIE series 37 airs on ITVBe in the UK — that’s channel 26 on Freeview, 118 on Sky, and 129 on Virgin Media. Episodes are uploaded to ITVX immediately after broadcast. In Ireland, the show appears on Virgin Media Three (channel 108 in Ireland) and is available on Virgin Media Player.

“The Only Way Is Essex star Jake Hall dies aged 35”

The Independent (reporting on Jake Hall’s death)

“Series 37 is available now on ITVX and ITVBe, featuring new drama, relationships, and a cast trip that viewers won’t want to miss.”

ITV Official Press Release (promoting series 37)

“The messages and tributes pouring in show how much Jake was loved by so many.”

Instagram tribute from TOWIE cast (messages of condolence following Jake Hall’s death)

With multiple platforms available, viewers have several options to catch the show depending on their location.

For Irish TOWIE fans, the choice is clear: use a VPN with ITVX for the most reliable access to series 37, or accept the limited library on Hayu. The show’s ability to continue after Jake Hall’s death shows its durability, but for those who want to watch from outside the UK, a few extra steps remain. Either way, the Essex crew isn’t going anywhere — but you’ll need the right setup to keep up.

Frequently asked questions

How can I watch TOWIE if I am outside the UK?

Use a VPN to connect to a UK server, then stream on ITVX (free with ads) or ITVX Premium (£5.99/month). Alternatively, subscribe to Hayu, which carries TOWIE seasons in many countries including Ireland.

Is ITVX free or subscription-based?

ITVX offers both: a free tier with adverts and a paid Premium tier (£5.99/month) that removes ads, adds downloads, and gives access to BritBox content. The free tier includes TOWIE episodes.

What time does TOWIE air on ITVBe?

New episodes of TOWIE series 37 air Tuesdays at 9pm UK time on ITVBe. They become available on ITVX shortly after broadcast.

How many seasons of TOWIE are there?

As of 2025, there have been 37 series. The show has aired continuously since 2010, with multiple series per year in recent seasons.

Are all seasons available on ITVX?

Most recent seasons are on ITVX, but the full back catalogue — especially early series — may not be available. Hayu has a more complete archive of past seasons.

Who is the current longest-serving cast member?

Several original cast members remain, including James “Arg” Argent who joined in 2010. However, many have left and returned multiple times over the show’s run.

Can I watch TOWIE on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

TOWIE is not available on Netflix UK. Some seasons are available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video per episode. The main streaming platforms are ITVX and Hayu.

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