TOWIE heartthrob Joey Essex is reportedly planning to leave the ITV2 show that made him famous because of a pay dispute.

ITV confirmed this week that The Only Way Is Essex would be back for its ninth series next month, starting off with a holiday special from Marbella, but Joey Essex may not be returning.

Joey who is one of the original cast members of the ITV2 hit show is reportedly holding out signing a new deal with producers, wanting more for doing the show.

“Joey is one of the biggest stars on Towie and with that comes a lot of pressure, which he sometimes finds hard to take,” a source told The Sun newspaper.

They added: “His people asked bosses for an enhanced deal in order for him to stay, but producers held firm.”

It remains to be seen if the heartthrob will back down and return to the series to avoid disappointing many of his fans.