Mark Wright has reportedly refused to join this year's 10th anniversary special of The Only Way Is Essex with sources saying it's because he's "moved on."

He become famous thanks to the show when it first launched on ITV2 in October 2010, earning him the reputation as a womaniser before he met and married actress Michelle Keegan.

A source close to the reality star told The Sun: "It’s a shame as Mark has clearly forgotten his roots.

"The show made him who he is and he wouldn’t have had all of his work gigs, like his radio show, without Towie putting him on the map.

"He’s said he’s in a different part of his life now and doesn’t want to go back to Towie again.

"ITV bosses have got the real king of Essex back, Joey Essex, though, so they aren’t losing any sleep over Mark’s decision."

The anniversary show has had to make some major changes due to the coronavirus pandemic and the social-distancing measures which are still in place.

To begin with the show was going to follow Towie's usual format with familiar faces returning but now it will be very different.

The special will now be a feature show of Towie's best moments with the old cast returning to talk over the clips.