<Tr> <Td> Series 21 </Td> <Td> 18 </Td> <Td> 898,000 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> 2018 </Td> <Td> Series 22 </Td> <Td> 10 </Td> <Td> TBA </Td> </Tr> <P> The first series of the show began airing on 10 October 2010 and concluded on 10 November 2010, consisting of 10 episodes . Due to the success of the series, a Christmas special aired the same year on 24 December 2010 . This series was heavily centered on the love triangle of Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger, and Lucy Mecklenburgh . This was the only series to feature cast members Candy Jacobs and Michael Woods . Mark also appeared alongside fellow cast members Amy Childs, James Argent, Nanny Pat and Sam Faiers on Alan Carr: Chatty Man on 21 February 2011 to discuss the first series and also confirmed a second series . </P> <P> The second series began airing on 20 March 2011 and concluded on 4 May 2011 . Due to the popularity of the first series, the second series consisted of 14 episodes . Before the series aired, the cast filmed a four - minute music video that was screened on ITV2; dance duo LMFAO remixed their hit single "I'm in Miami Bitch" and replaced it with "I'm in Essex Girl". This series saw the departure of Amy Childs off screen and introduced new characters Joey Essex, Gemma Collins, Chloe Sims, Debbie Douglass, Carol Wright and Mick Norcross . </P>

When did the only way is essex first start