Jon Clark's TOWIE scenes CUT from the festive episode as show bosses plan mass cull of 'boring' characters
The Only Way Is Essex is reportedly facing a big shake-up, as characters are axed for being 'too boring'.
But it won't be a very merry Essexmas for Jon Clark either, after it was claimed that scenes he had filmed for the festive special were cut from the ITVBe show.
This year's Only Way Is Essexmas episode aired on Sunday, yet explosive scenes between Jon and on-off girlfriend Lauren Pope didn't make it to the final edit.
Scroll down for video
![Christmas is cancelled: Jon Clark's scenes with Lauren Pope were dropped from the festive episode of TOWIE on Sunday](http://web.archive.org./web/20171220065309/http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/12/19/15/4774D50200000578-5193899-image-a-59_1513696937776.jpg)
Christmas is cancelled: Jon Clark's scenes with Lauren Pope were dropped from the festive episode of TOWIE on Sunday
As part of the episode, the Essex crowd celebrated Christmas by travelling to Suffolk for Arg's 30th birthday party.
The special episode concluded with James Argent declaring his love for former flame Gemma Collins.
'Jon filmed with Lauren,' a source told MailOnline on Tuesday. 'However the producers were keen on the Gemma and Arg storyline as it had a happy ending!'
On whether Jon's future with the show hangs in the balance, the insider continued: 'Jon is a well loved and valued member of the cast.'
![Cut out: Jon has been with the show since 2016, but bosses are reportedly overhauling the cast for the new series](http://web.archive.org./web/20171220065309/http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/12/19/15/477214D000000578-5193899-image-a-55_1513696001607.jpg)
Cut out: Jon has been with the show since 2016, but bosses are reportedly overhauling the cast for the new series
A representative for TOWIE and Jon Clark has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.
Ahead of the festive special, Jon tweeted on Sunday: 'Tonight @OnlyWayIsEssex Xmas special not everyone gets what they want for Xmas...'
A permanent castmember since 2016, Jon's biggest storyline involved long-serving star Lauren.
After a series of explosive rows on-screen, the duo called off their romance in October after he admitted he still had feelings for Love Island ex Chloe Crowhurst.
However, Jon blamed producers for manipulating his relationship for ratings on the ITVBe show.
Jon told the Star: 'I understand Lauren and my happiness is at the bottom of the list for what the TOWIE team want.
![Axed: Newcomers Ruby Lacey and Maddie Hooper were reportedly dropped from the line-up after telling bosses that they were single when they weren't](http://web.archive.org./web/20171220065309/http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/12/19/15/4774E48900000578-5193899-image-m-57_1513696755596.jpg)
Axed: Newcomers Ruby Lacey and Maddie Hooper were reportedly dropped from the line-up after telling bosses that they were single when they weren't
'They obviously want the drama and tears but I've said, so long as we are a team and stick together we will be OK.'
Newcomers Ruby Lacey and Maddie Hooper are not expected to return for the 22nd series, and now it's believed Jon's future with the show hangs in the balance.
The duo reportedly felt the wrath of producers for having off-screen romances when they claimed to be single.
![Didn't make the cut: Here with (from left) show regulars Tommy Mallet, James Lock and James Argent, Jon's future with the show is reportedly in the balance](http://web.archive.org./web/20171220065309/http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/12/19/15/4772149A00000578-5193899-image-a-54_1513695921863.jpg)
Didn't make the cut: Here with (from left) show regulars Tommy Mallet, James Lock and James Argent, Jon's future with the show is reportedly in the balance
Most watched News videos
- Awkward moment Tess Daly is caught in off-camera exchange
- Joe McFadden dances heart out to become champion
- F***ing joke? Paula Radcliffe's husband on Mo Farah's SPOTY win
- Scene of fatal car crash in Birmingham where at least 6 died
- Darius Campbell reveals charity water filter that can 'save lives'
- Footage shows moments after horror car smash in which 6 died
- Restaurant boss stunned after customers send letter with bill
- Shocking footage shows fire breaking out at Cameron House, Scotland
- Police statement after 'horrific' multi-vehicle crash in Birmingham
- Fire rages from car after it exploded with driver stuck inside
- Liam Allan says: 'the next steps are to sue' the police
- Ashley Jensen seen with her husband at the 2008 Emmy Awards
-
Ferne McCann turns to 'best friend' and TOWIE co-star...
-
Ferne McCann's acid attacker ex-lover WINKS as he is...
-
Grieving mother-in-law says she 'never really knew' her...
-
Ex-nurse, 27, who pretended to be a man to pursue online...
-
'Beautiful' mother-of-two and her scientist boyfriend who...
-
Wife, 31, 'stabs her husband to death with their children...
-
Is this Britain's first private house SWAP? Downsizing...
-
Boyfriend watched in horror as former public school girl,...
-
Thought you knew the Tube map? Not any more - THIS is how...
-
'Christmas terror plot foiled': Police kick door off its...
-
Transgender model who was sacked by L’Oreal over race row...
-
Average council tax bill set to SOAR by £107 after the...
-
Britain's FILTHIEST house: Revolting scene including...
-
Queen appoints Prince Harry to take over from his...
-
Prankster sneaked into Sports Personality of the Year to...
-
Daughter, 54, caused death of her 81-year-old mother and...
-
Children aged two and four who disappeared after being...
-
Travellers cause chaos as they block train station car...