Tom Pearce quits The Only Way Is Essex

OHMYGOSSIP — Tom Pearce has revealed he has quit ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ after rumours emerged he won’t be featuring on this year’s Christmas special.

The 23-year-old star – who was recently reported to have been dropped from the Christmas special of the popular reality series and wasn’t included in bosses’ future plans – took to Twitter today (28.11.14) to announce he has left the ITVBe show.

Tom – who also works in the City of London – rubbished rumours he had been dropped by producers and claimed he quit the show to focus on his career.

He wrote: “Contrary to some articles in the press this morning I was not dropped from Xmas special, I Quit to concentrate on my job. (sic)”

It was first reported that Tom – who claimed he had begun filming the festive episode this week – had been dropped from the show earlier today.

A source told The Mirror newspaper: “Tom won’t be featuring in the Christmas special and there’s a question mark over his return next series.”

Meanwhile, Tom’s former co-star, Gemma Collins is all set to appear in the episode next month following her dramatic exit from ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ after spending just 72 hours in the Australian jungle.

A source close to the 33 year old said: “Gemma’s first thoughts after the jungle were to contact the producers and secure her spot in the end-of-the-year special.

“She’s an Essex girl at heart, so that’s where she feels at her most confident and best.”

Before heading into the ‘I’m a Celeb’ camp earlier this month, Gemma had reportedly told friends she wouldn’t return to the popular reality show until February, but according to the insider, the feisty blonde wanted to be “surrounded by her mates” as she copes with the aftermath of her messy break-up from boyfriend Alex Moss, who she split from just days before entering the jungle.