Mario Falcone takes savage swipe at TOWIE as he returns for the show’s reunion

Mario Falcone has taken a savage swipe at The Only Way Is Essex as he returned for the show’s 10-year anniversary special.

The reality TV star, 32, claimed the hit ITV series isn’t as “strong” as it once was, and said “there’s only so many storylines you can do” as he reflected on the show’s milestone.

The hunk had been a regular on the show since 2011 until he bowed out in 2018.

Speaking to Mail Online, Mario admitted that there were multiple times throughout his stint on the show when he thought it would come to an end.

He recalled: “I remember thinking years ago, ‘this will be the last series now, it’s going to be done’.”

He went on: “Maybe it’s not as strong as it used to be. There’s only so many storylines you can do.

“You end up doing the same storylines you did with the originals as with new people.”

For the reunion special, Mario decided to bring his one-year-old son Parker – whom he shares with fiancée Becky Miesner – along in front of the cameras.

He said: “[Parker] wasn’t phased really. He was very smiley. We did a thing at the end for the 10 year anniversary, it was very cute. He’s actually really good.

“Sometimes he will do something naughty but on a whole, we can’t complain so far. He makes it a complete delight to be a dad. He’s starting to get my stubborn streak.

“I’ve only gone back for an episode but it was nice. It was nice to see Charlie and Chloe, I grew up with them, and it was nice to see the people behind the scenes as well.”

Mario is one of the few original members to return for the show’s reunion.

Fans were left disheartened as several original cast members were missing from Sunday’s anniversary special.

ITV bosses put together an incredible one-off episode for the cast and crew as well as viewers at home to enjoy as they celebrate a whole decade of TOWIE drama.

However, some viewers were left disappointed as a few of their favourite stars failed to appear in the episode.

Naming and shaming the absent cast members – Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger, Lucy Mecklenburgh, Megan Mckenna and Ferne McCann.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at  [email protected]  or call us direct 0207 29 33033