The Only Way Is Essex’s Ferne McCann has said the departure of larger-than-life star Gemma Collins is a loss, but the show will still survive and thrive.

Speaking at the launch of ITVBe’s reality soap, the 25-year-old reassured fans that all will be well.

“She’s going to be hugely missed, obviously. She was a massive character on the show. She’ll be missed by viewers and us lot as well,” Ferne said.

Ferne McCann
Ferne McCann (ITV Pictures)

“Everyone gets a bit scared when someone big leaves, it’s like ‘Oh my God, will the show continue? Is it going to be the same? Is it going to be as good? We’ve lost Mark Wright – show still went on. Joey Essex – show still went on. Sam Faiers, Amy Childs – the show still continues.

“It’s still got so much drama, but without being disrespectful – you kind of forget about them. Yes, she’ll be missed, but the show’s still as good.”

Former Towie star Gemma Collins
Former Towie star Gemma Collins (Ian West/PA)

The 16th series of The Only Way Is Essex (Towie) sees the Essex gang on yet another trip to Marbella for some Spanish summer sun and fun.

Will James ‘Lockie’ Lock and Danielle Armstrong get back together? How far will Arg and Lydia take their relationship? Will newbies Nicole Bass, Dan Edgar’s ex Kate Wright, her close friend Michael Hassini and Lydia Bright’s cousin Liam Blackwell fit in?

When asked about the fresh faces, Ferne said: “There’s four new cast members and they’re hot, they’re good looking, they’re connected to existing cast members.

“Sometimes in the past, people have come in and it’s never quite worked because they’ve never really been connected to any of us lot.”

The glamorous star insisted this is the year to watch Towie.

“This Marbella special is going to be one of the best. I’m like super, super excited about it,” she said.

“Obviously all the usual Towie drama is there: make ups, break ups, tears and tantrums, but I think you’ll see a lot more comedy and humour in this series.”

Fans can look forward to an even bigger party heading out to Spain than usual: “Nanny Pat, Carol and Lydia’s mum Debbie come out to Marbella; you’ve never seen Nanny Pat in Marbs so that’s going to be good,” Ferne said.

The TV personality laughed when asked if Nanny Pat had treated herself to a vajazzle.

“She didn’t say if she got a vajazzle, but she looked lovely. She had a little summer hat on. It’s going to be very comical.”

Structured reality soaps can play havoc with people’s image and Ferne is keen for viewers to see more of her funny side.

Towie's Lydia Bright and James 'Arg' Argent
Towie’s Lydia Bright and James ‘Arg’ Argent (Yui Mok/PA )

“I’m a bit of a class clown. With Towie, you get a snippet of people’s personalities; it’s an edited show and you’re going to see the most entertaining parts. It would be nice for people to know that I’m not mean; I just say it how it is,” she said.

The show has seen its fair share of departures over the years, but Ferne is happy to stay with Towie.

She said: “I love being on the show; every series is really different for me. I’ve got no plans to leave.

“I do love being part of the Towie family, but if someone came to me and said ‘Do you want to do the Jungle or Big Brother, I wouldn’t rule it out. I’d really like to do a Bear Grylls show though!”

The Only Way Is Essex airs Sunday October 4 on ITVBe at 10pm.