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.
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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
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
'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
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