The Only Way Is an Essex soap opera

'The Only Way is Essex' could be shown 48 weeks of the year like a soap opera.

Bosses of the ITV2 reality show - starring Amy Childs, Mark Wright and Joey Essex - feel it is popular enough to air for 11 months of the year, following the lead of medical dramas like 'Holby City' and 'Casualty'.

They are now looking for new characters to ensure the drama and on-off romances which have made the first two series - which both ran for 12 episodes - so popular, continue.

A source told The Sun: "Everyone is still following their bust-ups and romances anyway so it feels like the cameras should still be there to capture everything.

"The gang would have to be up for it and a deal has to be struck with the producers. But the expectation is that the stars would all want to do it."

With 'TOWIE' set to return for a third series this September, it is thought the 48-week launch will begin in 2012.

Lauren Goodger and Jessica Wright were spotted at the BlackBerry and Kiss FM Secret Gig in Shoreditch Town Hall.

For the second time, BlackBerry hosted a super-cool secret gig in London. The event showcased some of the country's hottest talent and this year ticket winners to this intimate venue were lucky enough to see performances from Wretch 32, Tinie Tempah and Devlin.

Lauren was seen in the VIP area drinking specially made BlackBerry cocktails and was huddled up with Imogen Thomas, who was out celebrating her new presenting role for This Morning.

A source said: "Lauren and Imogen were inseparable. They linked arms and even went to the toilet together."

Also in attendance at the secret gig were rival reality TV stars, Francis Boulle and Fredrik Ferrier of Made In Chelsea.

The boys happily posed for photos with fans and Francis was particularly interested to watch Devlin perform.