Towie backstage row leaves show in chaos as fuming cast explode over Ella Rae Wise landing Celebrity Big Brother
THE TOWIE cast are at loggerheads after Ella Rae Wise landed a spot on Celebrity Big Brother.
The glamorous reality star, 24, is set to enter the famous house along with 12 other famous faces – including a Hollywood actor and a TV talk show queen.
Ella, who has been on the ITVBe reality show since 2019, is set to be propelled into the spotlight on the fly-on-the-wall experiment.
But ahead of her entrance on Monday, tensions are said to have reached boiling point behind-the-scenes of the Essex show.
Caast members have been left “furious” that Ella has landed the big money job and a spot on one of the biggest reality shows in the UK – especially those who have been there longer than her.
A source told The Sun: “Everyone is fuming about Ella landing CBB and the huge pay cheque that comes with it.
“There’s a lot of resentment and it’s left the show in complete chaos behind the scenes.
“A lot of people feel hard done by – a lot of the longer serving cast members feel they haven’t had the same chances from ITV and there’s a lot of jealousy and animosity.”
Ella, who has already enjoyed success on Ex On The Beach, has ruffled feathers among the cast who are upset they’ve been ignored for the show.
They added: “Ella’s had a chance to do other shows like Ex On The Beach and some of the cast feel like they’ve given a lot to the show only to be snubbed for CBB.”
A spokesperson for Towie told The Sun: “The cast are really excited to see Ella on CBB and can’t wait for the launch.”
The Sun revealed last week that Ella was having “meltdowns” over leaving her Towie co-star boyfriend Dan, 34.
Blonde bombshell Ella was said to be worried about being apart from Dan with no contact following a series of rows.
A source told us: “Ella has been having meltdowns about going on Celebrity Big Brother.
“She doesn’t trust Dan while she’s in the house and the fact that she won’t know what’s going on is giving her anxiety.
Saffron admitted she hopes the process isn’t too “overwhelming” for Ella as she revealed the biggest challenge for the star.
“It will be daunting for her, she’s only 24 – all these personalities from different walks of life. She’ll probably get on with Donna [Preston],” Saffron said.
“Patsy [Palmer] is quite into her spiritual stuff, she might be a bit of a mother hen. I think Trisha will be the mum in there.
“Ella will get stuck in with the challenges – she’s done The Challenge, she’s good with those sort of stuff.
“She’s good indoors and at home, I think she will do well with those sort of things.
“I think she will miss home, she’s very close to her mum and Dan and her phone.”
Saffron said Ella will be one to watch and could easily make it to the final – but admitted she has her work cut out winning as she competes against legendary soap stars with a huge fane base.
She told us: “I’m going to back Ella all the way, but from that line-up. Patsy Palmer and Jack [P Shepherd] – the fan base for soaps, it’s like Chesney from Dancing On Ice. They’ve got massive fan bases.
“All the cast will be backing her. I hope she’s okay because she’s young. It’s quite an overwhelming show.
“I think she’ll turn around the perception, she’s even turned my perception around.
“Me and Ella have gotten closer over the last year. I sort of didn’t gel because there was no depth, but there is depth when you get to know her, when you chat to her there is substance there.
“I’m rooting for her, I’d love her to win. But the soaps have a massive fan base and so does Trisha [Goddard].”
The Sun previously revealed that their were concerns Ella would pull out last minute.
A source said: “It’s really stressful in there if things are unsettled on the outside and as they’ve been rowing lately, it’s made her feel worried about being away.
“Everyone knows Dan is a flirt and Ella doesn’t trust him. They always argue over trust issues.”
Ella and Dan’s relationship began when they hooked up when the Towie cast took a trip to Bali at the start of Towie‘s 33rd series in early 2024.
He hadn’t long been out of a long-term relationship with his show star ex Amber Turner.
They entered into an on-off relationship before becoming an official couple.
Dan – who starred on Dancing On Ice this year – was supported by his girlfriend from the sidelines.
She proudly posted about his achievements – and showed off a huge bunch of red roses he’d sent her for Valentine’s Day.
The Sun revealed Ella had signed for the new series of CBB, which kicks off on April 7.
Producers hope she’ll spill the beans on her ex Pete Wicks, 37, and her current beau Dan.
A telly source said: “Ella has lots of promise and producers think she’ll be really good on CBB as one of the youngest housemates.
“She’ll bring a lot of fresh viewers with her and could spill on her famous love life.
“ITV like to cross reference between their shows as it helps with promotion.
“Ella’s got her head screwed on and is really witty and funny and isn’t afraid of a bit of drama.”