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<\/p>\nThe Only Way Is Essex are losing a popular character from the current series as they admit they have had to make a difficult decision and take a step back from the show<\/p>\n
20:12, 20 Feb 2026Updated 20:31, 20 Feb 2026<\/p>\n
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A TOWIE star has revealed they are stepping back from the show(Image: Grab)<\/p>\n
A star of The Only Way Is Essex <\/a>has revealed they won’t be appearing in the latest series of the reality show. Freddie Bentley flew home from filming in Vietnam earlier in the month. Now, he has revealed he has made the decision to step back from the show for the rest of the current series. He admitted he found “peace” following his shock decision.<\/p>\n Freddie, 27, shared the update in a statement on Instagram<\/a>. Alongside images of him looking happy with his decision, he wrote: “TOWIE UPDATE: Hey Everyone. A couple of weeks ago I shared that I\u2019d be leaving TOWIE early while we were filming in Vietnam to take some time for myself before heading back to filming in Essex. Since then, I\u2019ve done a lot of reflecting and work on myself, and I\u2019ve made the difficult decision to step away from the rest of this series.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Vernon Kay issues apology after ‘getting emotional’ over family update live on-air<\/a>READ MORE: Ruth Langsford ‘cried her eyes out’ during heartbreaking milestone after Eamonn split<\/a> Freddie won’t be filming any more TOWIE for the current series(Image: Getty Images Getty Images for Wh)<\/p>\n He left the series in Vietnam(Image: Instagram\/freddiebentleyofficial)<\/p>\n Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate<\/a> or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.<\/p>\n “It hasn\u2019t been an easy choice, but right now prioritising my peace and wellbeing has to come first. You\u2019ll still see me on screen for most of this series, but I\u2019ll be taking a step back before the end to focus on my own happiness and growth.”<\/p>\n He went on: “Also a huge thanks to the lovely TOWIE production team and ITV<\/a> for always being so caring and understanding. This isn\u2019t a goodbye forever, just goodbye for now. I\u2019m sure you will see me on your screens again in the future. Thank you everyone for all your love and support. Freddie xxx”<\/p>\n Freddie had previously explained why he left Vietnam. He wrote at the time: “Hi guys, Would rather everyone heard from me first, but just to let you know I’ve left filming in Vietnam a couple of days early.<\/p>\n “Let’s just say a lot has happened already this series and I just needed to get back to Essex and have a breather before everyone else flies home, but don’t worry I’ll be back filming with everyone once they all return.<\/p>\n “As always all will be revealed on the show. Love you all, Freddie xx.” He went on to tag the show’s official Instagram account.<\/p>\n Freddie has been taking this year to focus more on himself and has regularly updated his online followers. In January he wrote: “2026 is the year I choose myself.<\/p>\n “Not out of ego. Not out of spite. But out of respect for the life I want to live. I\u2019m choosing discipline over excuses. Training even when motivation dips.”<\/p>\n He added: “Eating clean because my body deserves fuel, not punishment. Showing up to the gym not just to change how I look – but to change how I feel, how I think, and how I move through the world<\/a>.” This isn\u2019t about perfection.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s about consistency. About building strength physically and mentally. About being content, grounded, and genuinely happy – not chasing validation, but creating peace.”<\/p>\n Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok <\/a>, Snapchat <\/a>, Instagram <\/a>, Twitter <\/a>, Facebook <\/a>, YouTube <\/a>and Threads <\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Freddie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_White-Fox-Heatwave-Event.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Freddie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/626426968_18559101841047391_7324750597301761384_n.jpg\")
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