Ella Rae Wise, star of The Only Way Is Essex, has publicly responded to the new relationship between her ex-boyfriend, Dan Edgar, and former co-star, Chloe Lewis. The cast also reflected on the complexities of dating within the small community of Essex.

Ella Rae Wise Reacts to New Romance

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, 25-year-old Ella described the pairing as “cute,” admitting she previously felt insecure about their closeness while she was with Dan. Their breakup occurred in January 2025, shortly before Ella entered the Big Brother house, with trust issues cited as the main reason for the split.

Essex Dating Scene Described as 'Incestuous'

The confirmation of Dan and Chloe’s relationship earlier this week sparked significant discussion among fans and fellow cast members. Harry Derbidge, 32, and Dani Imbert, 28, joined Ella for the interview, sharing their observations on the interconnected dating scene in Essex.

Challenges of a Small Community

Dani humorously noted that Essex’s small size makes it difficult to date someone without a prior connection to your social circle, calling it an inherent part of their reality. Harry added that witnessing an ex move on with someone you know can be difficult, but also offers opportunities for growth and resilience.

What to Expect in the New Season of TOWIE

The upcoming season of The Only Way Is Essex, largely filmed in Vietnam, promises heightened drama, arguments, and intense emotions. The cast believes being away from their familiar surroundings will amplify interpersonal dynamics.

Repairing Fractured Friendships

Beyond the romantic entanglements, the new season will also focus on rebuilding friendships within the cast. Harry Derbidge revealed he and Ella Rae Wise are working to mend their relationship, which fractured at his 30th birthday party in 2024 after he shared information about Ella and Dan with a group called the ‘Girl Band.’

Harry expressed his continued affection for Ella and his belief in the strength of their bond. He highlighted their increased time spent together outside of filming as a positive step towards reconciliation.

The new season of The Only Way Is Essex premieres on Sunday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX, offering viewers a blend of relationship drama, personal growth, and a glimpse into life in Essex. The show, now in its 16th year, continues to captivate audiences with its candid portrayal of life in Essex.