The Only Way Is Essex (series 3)

The Only Way Is Essex Series 3
Country of origin	United Kingdom
No. of episodes	14 + Christmas Special
Broadcast
Original channel	ITV2
Original run	25 September 2011 – 9 November 2011 Christmas Special: 20 December 2011
Home video release
DVD release date	30 January 2012[1]

The third series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 25 September 2011 on ITV2. The series concluded on 9 November 2011 after 14 episodes. A Christmas Special aired on 20 December 2011 and is included on the Series 3 DVD.

This series marked the departures original cast members Kirk Norcross, Mark Wright, Harry Derbridge and Maria Fowler.^[2][3][4] As of 2014, this series still has the highest amount of views collectively of entire programme's lifespan.

Storylines

Series 3 kicks off with the revelations that both Mark and Lauren and Kirk and Lauren Pope have split up with both Laurens now living together. Mark vows to a life of celibacy but soon finds himself tempted when he finds Lucy in her underwear in Jessica's flat. Meanwhile Lucy is now seeing Mario who tells her not to see Mark but after Mark finds out Mario has been badmouthing him, he tells him that he can get Lucy any time he wants. Arg and Lydia are back together but Lydia's fractured relationship with his best friend Mark is still causing problems for Arg especially when he is forced to spend time with Lucy and Mario. When Mark reveals that he spent the night with Lucy while Mario was away, Lydia and Arg side with their two friends and when Lydia confronts Mark, Arg accuses her of being a bully. Eventually Mark and Lydia make up but Arg still feels self-conscious about his weight and also decides to take a new job as a hospital radio DJ as Lydia opens a new vintage store he feels that he is not good enough for her. While trying to lose weight together at Boot Camp Gemma confesses to Arg that if he and Lydia weren't together she may consider seeing him but she tells Lydia not to worry about anything.

During Karaoke Night at the Sugar Hut, Mark is seen texting someone with various characters checking their phones it eventually turns out to be Sam. Sam and Mark then embark on a casual relationship which includes dates to a cooking lesson and skiing. After Sam and sister Billie are attacked, her and Mark begin dating properly and Mark's family invite Sam round to eat with them. This annoys Lauren as she feels Mark's family never accepted her and that Sam has betrayed her. During Chloe's birthday party Mark tries to settle things with Lauren but she angers Sam so much the two get into a fight.

The newly single Kirk and Joey begin a bromance calling themselves Team Jerk? Kirk teaches Joey how to be more domestic after he moves into a new flat and soon the two meet two girls named Cara and Billi. While Joey seems quite taken by Cara, Kirk struggles to get on with Billi and launches into a tirade at both of them when they come to his house to confront them. When Sam is attacked Joey goes to visit her and confesses that he still loves her but she is by this point back with Mark. Kirk also encounters problems at home after his dad Mick starts dating Maria as he never got on with her and he feels that Maria is after his dad's money. After a couple of dates it is revealed that Maria previously worked as an escort and when Mick sees her coming out of a club with another man he ends the relationship and she leaves to go back home to Derby for a while.

With Chloe approaching 30 she feels inadequate that she is without a man and wants to better her body by getting bum implants but decides against it and for her birthday she has her own wedding where her cousin Joey becomes Prince Charming. Gemma decides to teach Harry to drive and also learns that he has started dating the half-German Kurt, Gemma is also pursued this series by Greek twins Georgio and Dino who she adores but who are far too small for her.

With Debbie and Lydia warming to Mario it seems that he can't put a foot wrong but then it is revealed that his former girlfriend, card-shop owner Perri, was told by him that he never fancied Lucy and is just dating her for a more prominent role on the show. Lucy gets increasingly paranoid about Mario's activities and tells him that he can have a night off from their relationship, he then goes off to a club where he gets very pally with the two Laurens. Mario eventually sees the text that Lucy sent to Jessica proving that something happened between her and Mark when Lucy tells Mario she can't remember what happened he leaves her and they break up.

After the fight between Lauren and Sam, Mark decides it's not fair to the women in his life that he stays around Essex and tells his parents that he is going to move on. In an emotional scene with Arg, Mark says he will miss his best friend but it seems that Arg and Lydia are back on track claiming they will never break-up. Mark makes his final Essex appearance at a Fireworks Night Party in which he tells Lauren that he will always love her but he's not in love with her any more. At the same party Joey and Jessica surprise everyone by kissing on the dancefloor. Lucy gets up to speak in front of everyone and addresses Mario telling him she knows she did wrong but she wants a second chance, he tells her that he still loves her and they can work through things. Mark asks Sam if they can have a proper relationship if she leaves with him but she can't see them being anything more than close friends and tells him she doesn't want any more. The series ends with Mark looking around the club at all his friends, foes and family before giving Arg a hug and walking off into the night.

The Only Way Is Essex returned for a Christmas Special on 20 December 2011.^[5]

Cast

Starring Joey Essex Jessica Wright Mark Wright (Episodes 1-14) Lauren Goodger Harry Derbridge James "Arg" Argent Lydia Rose Bright Kirk Norcross (Episodes 1-12) Sam Faiers Chloe Sims (Christmas Special only; previously supporting) Gemma Collins (Christmas Special only; previously supporting)

Supporting Lucy Mecklenburgh Maria Fowler Lauren Pope Billie Faiers Patricia 'Nanny Pat' Brooker Debbie Douglas Carol Wright Mick Norcross Mario Falcone Dino Georgiades Georgio Georgiades Billi Mucklow Cara Kilbey

Cast Departures

Kirk Norcross

Kirk Norcross reportedly quit the series in 2011 and the thirteenth episode of this series was his last appearance.^[2]

Mark Wright

Original cast member, Mark Wright, departed the series in the third series finale. After a fight between Lauren and Sam, Mark decides it's not fair that he stays around Essex and tells his parents that he is going to get away for a while. Mark makes his final appearance at the Fireworks party in which he tells Lauren that he will always love her but he's not in love with her anymore. Mark asks Sam if they can have a proper relationship if she leaves with him, but she can't see them being anything more than close friends and tells him she doesn't want to be with him any more. The episode ends with Mark looking around the club at all his friends and family before giving Arg a hug and walking off into the night.^[3] Wright however made a cameo appearance in the shows sixth series, but did not have a speaking part.^[6]

Harry Derbridge

Harry Derbridge quit the series in 2011 and stated he was moving onto different projects. The 2011 Christmas special is Derbridge's last appearance in the series.^[4]

Maria Fowler

Maria Fowler announced she had quit the series in 2011. Fowler met with producers and both decided that her time on the series had come to an end. The 2011 Christmas special is Fowler's last appearance in the series.^[4]

Episodes

Series no.	Season no.	Title	Original airdate	Duration	UK viewers
26	1	"Episode 1"	25 September 2011 (2011-09-25)	45 minutes	2.102[7]
Jess celebrates her 26th birthday, whilst Lydia unveils her new Cake Shop to Arg. Meanwhile, Mark is feeling low after his split from Lauren and pledges to go celibate for 14 days and nights. Gemma unveils her new image to Harry and Sam, whilst Lauren Pope and Kirk have different feelings about their split. Elsewhere, Joey and Sam also confront their issues, and a group of new faces make their appearances.
27	2	"Episode 2"	28 September 2011 (2011-09-28)	45 minutes	1.474[8]
Joey, Lydia and Debbie head to a car boot sale, whilst Harry and his brother Ronnie have a heart-to-heart after working on their fathers flower stall. Meanwhile, Gemma throws a singles party at the Sugar Hut and Kirk and Lauren Pope share a few feelings over a walk in the park with their dog Bozo. Mark meanwhile continues his celibacy pledge before interrupting Arg and Lydia on their dinner date after feeling lonely. Nicola meanwhile decides it is time to confront Lucy about her part in Lauren and Marks break-up.
28	3	"Episode 3"	2 October 2011 (2011-10-02)	45 minutes	1.631[8]
Arg sets out on a new career path, Mark and Mario have a run-in at the gym, Mick and Kirk catch up after the singles' night and the gang go paintballing for Lauren's birthday.
29	4	"Episode 4"	5 October 2011 (2011-10-05)	45 minutes	1.646[9]
Jessica prepares for her fashion show, Maria and Mick get friendly at a romantic dinner date, the twins model for Jessica, Lucy shows off her curves, and Mario and Mark lock horns.
30	5	"Episode 5"	9 October 2011 (2011-10-09)	45 minutes	1.869[9]
The aftermath of Maria and Mick's romantic date, Sam and Billie arrange a girls night in and Lydia and Arg have a double date with Mario and Lucy that ends in some confrontation and a shock allegation from Mark.
31	6	"Episode 6"	12 October 2011 (2011-10-12)	45 minutes	1.576[10]
Lucy and Mario discuss the future of their relationship, Arg and Lydia's relationship is under threat again, Chloe considers more surgery, Georgio and Dino try to cheer Gemma up with a Greek night... and Lydia finally confronts Mark.
32	7	"Episode 7"	16 October 2011 (2011-10-16)	45 minutes	1.686[10]
Chloe consults a plastic surgeon about her bum implants, as well as visiting Joey's new pool-pad, and Kirk holds a karaoke night at Sugar Hut. Plus, Lydia has another argument with Arg about Mark and Gemma teaches Harry how to drive. The episode ends with a cliffhanger though - who received the text from Mark asking them to meet him in his car outside the Sugar Hut?
33	8	"Episode 8"	19 October 2011 (2011-10-19)	45 minutes	1.676[11]
Mark, Sam, Lydia and Arg go on a skiing double date, where Lydia and Mark make up and Sam and Mark discuss their relationship. At the same time Joey hosts an animal themed pool party, where he finds out about Sam and Mark for the first time from Lauren.
34	9	"Episode 9"	23 October 2011 (2011-10-23)	45 minutes	1.749[11]
Lydia finally opens her shop with a 1940's themed party. Kirk and Joey, or Jirk as they are calling themselves, take Billi and Cara out bowling for a double date. Lucy meets Mario's family for a big dinner and invites Lydia, Arg and Debbie. Mark takes Sam out for a proper date at a fancy restaurant.
35	10	"Episode 10"	26 October 2011 (2011-10-26)	45 minutes	1.680[12]
Lauren isn't happy about Sam and Mark's relationship and has an awkard encounter with Mark's mum where she learns Sam has been invited to a family meal with Mark's family. Lucy talks to Peri about the rumours regarding Mario's opinion of her and their relationship. Some of the gang go salsa dancing, where Gemma hints at a possible attraction to Arg. Sam and Billie get attacked by a gang of girls.
36	11	"Episode 11"	30 October 2011 (2011-10-30)	45 minutes	1.739[12]
After their conversation at salsa Gemma and Arg go to boot camp, when Mark finds out he and Jessica decide to come too as moral support. Lucy confesses to Mario about going through his phone and as a result decides to give him a Hall Pass, which he spends on a lads night out with Joey, Kirk, Mick and the boys.
37	12	"Episode 12"	2 November 2011 (2011-11-02)	45 minutes	1.910[13]
Everyone gets in the Halloween spirit - Nanny Pat goes trick-or-treating, and Sam and Billie host an action-packed party. Mario's night of freedom backfires for Lucy. This was the last episode to feature Kirk Norcross, until he returned in series 7.
38	13	"Episode 13"	6 November 2011 (2011-11-06)	45 minutes	1.853[13]
Mario finally gets the truth out of Lucy about her night with Mark in Marbella, and Lauren causes a scene at Chloe's 30th birthday party by yelling at Mark and Sam.
39	14	"Episode 14"	9 November 2011 (2011-11-09)	60 minutes	2.225[14]
It's Bonfire Night and the last farewell for one person in Essex. Lauren G makes her feelings clear about previous events to fellow Lauren. Mark and Arg share a tanning session and Joey later helps Arg to change his image, but Arg isn't so sure that Joey's style suits him. Gemma continues to flirt with the twins and Mark tells his parents he needs to leave Essex for a while. At the Bonfire party, Mario confides in Lauren G after his breakup with Lucy, and Mark and Arg share an emotional talk. Lydia and Debbie convince Mario that Lucy made a mistake, but it is not long before Lucy takes to the stage to apologize. Mario tells Lucy it will take a long time for him to forgive her, but they will work through it together. Mark arrives at the party and him and Lauren decide to move on and stay friends in the future and Lydia tells Arg she loves him for who he is. Mark issues an ultimatum to Sam, but she doesn't feel ready for a relationship with him. As the party is in full swing, Mark tearfully stands on the stairs and looks around to his friends. In the closing moments Jessica kisses Joey, much to the shock of Mark and the rest of the cast. As Lauren and Sam look up to a tearful Mark, he walks down the stairs to embrace Arg and walks away from the party. This was the last episode to feature Mark Wright.

Christmas Special (2011)

Series no.	Season no.	Title	Original airdate	Duration	UK viewers
40	2	"The Only Way Is EsseXmas 2011"	20 December 2011 (2011-12-20)	60 minutes	1.615
Jess and Joey are still reeling from the kiss and decide to go on a date and pursue a relationship much to Sam's disappointment. Arg throws a regal birthday party and asks Lydia to start looking for a place for them to move in. Mario, Joey, Chloe and the two Laurens take a trip to Santa's homeland, Lapland. This was the last episode to feature Harry Derbridge and Maria Fowler.

Reception

Ratings

Episode	Date	ITV2 Viewers	ITV2+1 Viewers	Total Viewers (Millions)
1	25 September	1.885[15]	0.217	2.102
2	28 September	1.309[15]	0.165	1.474
3	2 October	1.468[15]	0.163	1.631
4	5 October	1.437[15]	0.209	1.646
5	9 October	1.685[15]	0.184	1.869
6	12 October	1.369[15]	0.207	1.576
7	16 October	1.566[15]	0.120	1.686
8	19 October	1.453[15]	0.223	1.676
9	23 October	1.554[15]	0.195	1.749
10	26 October	1.533[15]	0.147	1.680
11	30 October	1.577[15]	0.162	1.739
12	2 November	1.706[15]	0.194	1.910
13	6 November	1.572[15]	0.276	1.853
14	9 November	1.926[15]	0.284	2.210
Average Viewers				1.720

References

The Only Way Is Essex Episodes Series list Series 1 Series 2 Series 3 Series 4 Series 5 Series 6 Series 7 Series 8 Series 9 Series 10 Series 11 Series 12 Series 13 Series 14 Cast members Current cast James "Arg" Argent Lydia Bright Gemma Collins Mario Falcone Lauren Pope Billie Faiers Ferne McCann Dan Osborne Chloe Sims Jasmin Walia Jess Wright Former cast Amy Childs Joey Essex Sam Faiers Maria Fowler Lauren Goodger Tom Kilbey Kirk Norcross Mark Wright Related It's All About Amy Mark Wright's Hollywood Nights TOWIE Live