Billie Faiers quits Towie to 'expand family' and land her own reality television show

Billie Faiers is the latest star to quit The Only Way Is Essex (Towie). The 26-year-old follows in her famous sister Sam's footsteps by focusing on her family instead of continuing her role on the reality television show.

The mother to daughter Nelly, 2, is said to have told producers at Lime Pictures on Friday (29 July) that she is departing the long-running ITVBe show after six years – but was told the door will always be open for her return, according to The Sun.

Faiers is thought to have told friends that she is looking to land her own show in the future. Until then, she is keen on channelling her attention towards enlarging her family with fiancé Greg Shepherd – who is the father of toddler Nelly – as well as focusing on their forthcoming nuptials in September.

Her cast mates are apparently "devastated" by her departure, and a show insider revealed: "Towie bosses were shocked by her exit on Friday and the news quickly spread around the cast. Everyone is already mourning."

"It's no secret that Billie has a lot on her plate with her young daughter and marriage plans and to top it off she also wants to expand her family at some point," the insider said.

"She was a brilliant and very funny member of the Towie family and was a natural in front of the camera from day one − producers have told her that the door is always open to her should she change her mind," the insider added.

Billie has enjoyed huge success since starring on Towie alongside starting a family, including the increased popularity of her clothing store that she runs with her sister Sam, Minnie's Boutique. She has often shown her daughter's life on screen but her fiancé rarely makes an appearance.

IBTimes UK has reached out to Faiers' representative for comment.