Jessica Wright has some sad news for her TOWIE fans – the reality TV favourite is quitting the show. Jess, as she is known by her friends and family, made the announcement in a video on Instagram.
"After five amazing years on The Only Way is Essex it is time for me to step away," said Jess. "I've had the best time and I want to say thank you all so much for your support."
She reassured her fans: "You will be seeing me soon and I'm also going to be keeping up with all the goss in Essex. Love you all lots."
Jessica Wright has starred on TOWIE since its launch
The Brentwood beauty will clearly be missed on the show, as one fan commented, "so gutted" while another wrote, "Noooooo my fave girl aw Jess! Good luck with your future X."
Jess has featured on the show since its launch in 2010. She starred alongside her younger brother Mark, who quit the series in 2011, her cousins Elliott and Leah Wright and her ex-boyfriend Ricky Rayment.
Just two months ago Jess lost her grandmother Nanny Pat, a popular character on the show. The 80-year-old passed away from a short illness, having recently celebrated her birthday with a royal-themed party.
"I'm going to be keeping up with all the goss in Essex," said Jess
When news of Nanny Pat's death emerged, Jess led the tributes on social media, tweeting: "Heart broken does not even come close to how my family & I are feeling. Thank you so much for your support my Nan was so loved an angel."
Mark echoed his sister's words, writing: "My heart is broken but so overwhelmed by your support. To know good ole Nanny was loved by so many is the best feeling in the world. Thank you."
A statement from the family announced Nanny Pat's death. "Sadly our amazing, courageous and beautiful Nanny Pat passed away this morning after a short illness," it read. "We are overwhelmed by sadness, and the whole family ask for privacy at this horrible time."