'The Only Way Is Essex' cast have been left "angry" after ITV bosses change the format of the show.
Former TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong
The ITVbe reality show has been running since 2010, and usually consists of three 12-episode series each year, however a change in the show's format would mean the programme would instead run for two 18-episode series a year, and not everyone is happy about the change.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Producers are changing the running of the show into a 'living soap' so it will air for a two to three-month period instead of four to five weeks at a time.
"The decision has left some members of the cast angry as they believe the increase of hours on set will mean that they won't have time to fulfil their other promotional and branding work."
And although the change to the format does not make a difference to the total number of episodes shown to viewers each year, the longer filming stints mean some cast members are worried it will be "too gruelling".
The insider continued: "Some cast members are also concerned that the demands will be too gruelling so have asked for a pay rise.
"Their feeling is that if producers want them to work as soap stars then they want to be paid like soap stars."
However, a show insider denied claims of over working the cast, saying the new format will give them a longer break between filming stints to work on their own projects.
They told the publication: "The new schedule gives them longer periods off filming and a break mid-series so is much better for them being unable to undertake other work."
Sources also fear that the changes to the show could see more of their cast quit the show, after former member Danielle Armstrong made her final appearance in Monday's (19.12.16) Christmas special.
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