THE ONLY WAY IS ESSEX RETURNS TO ITV2 WITH TWO NEW SERIES IN 2026

The UK's longest running constructed reality TV series The Only Way Is Essex returns for two new series this year on ITV2 promising more drama, relationships and fashion.

The first of this year's series will air this Spring and consist of ten episodes, followed by another series in the Summer with fourteen episodes.

Meanwhile, Olivia Attwood is to host new reality format The Heat on ITV2 - that follows a group of young chefs taking on the hottest job of their lives. The Heat sees ten ambitious chefs travel to Barcelona, working under multi Michelin Star award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who is opening an exclusive summer restaurant at the glamorous Port Vell Marina and on a mission to find the next rising star.

But this isn’t just a straight-forward cooking competition - each day when the kitchen service is over, the cameras keep rolling because when you’re living, working and competing with one another, there is no escaping The Heat. Viewers can expect post shift dates, staff nights out and more - blending both their professional and personal lives will see tempers simmer, steam and boil, in and outside of the kitchen. 

These young hopefuls will quickly realise that no-one's place is secure in this fierce culinary contest, as they consistently battle it out in a bid to climb the kitchen ranks. Promotions, demotions, power plays, sackings and shock decisions throughout the series are sure to keep the contenders on their toes - every service is a chance to soar or sink.

With Olivia keeping a close eye, offering sharp insight, spicy gossip, and the occasional reality check - The Heat contains all the ingredients for an unmissable reality series with a twist. Who will rise to the top? And who will face the chop?

The Only Way Is Essex airs on ITV2 and ITVX.