The Only Way Is Essex would be extended. Ahead of the series it was announced that James Argent would be returning to the series following his break from the show. It was also confirmed that after making brief appearances during the previous series, Lauren Pope and Mario Falcone would be returning to the series as a full-time cast member. With this announcement, it was revealed that Mike Hassini would also be returning to the series having previously left the show after the eighteenth series. Former cast member Elliott Wright also made an appearance during the second episode of the series, whilst Vas J Morgan also
James Fraser (Home and Away) against going through with it and I'm sure viewers would agree with me." Chloe does not love James as much as she did Lachlan, but she thinks that James can offer Olivia a stable and life. Wright opined that the couple do not have the "special something", but Chloe believes that it could happen. Wright said that the shock from James stopping the ceremony to confront her about her locket nearly kills her character with humiliation. In November 1999, Herbison reported that Piccirilli had left "Home and Away" to go travelling. James exit storyline depicted him leaving Summer Bay when