The Only Way Is Essex - Season 18 May 2026

Accusations against Megan fly; Lydia tells Arg they are over for good. Insults & Social Divides

Mike and Pete trade insults; Megan feels betrayed by Courtney and Chloe M's new friends. Friendship Fallout The Only Way Is Essex - Season 18

The central conflict involves Chloe L’s persistent accusations that Megan was unfaithful in Mallorca. This tension eventually boils over into an almighty showdown between the two. Accusations against Megan fly; Lydia tells Arg they

The season kicks off with a group trip to Mallorca before returning to the familiar streets of Essex. This tension eventually boils over into an almighty

Following another split, Lydia firmly tells Arg they must become "strangers," leading to emotional confrontations with both Arg and her mother, Debbie.

Includes series veterans and then-newcomers like Megan McKenna , Pete Wicks , James "Arg" Argent , Lydia Bright , Chloe Sims , Bobby Norris , Dan Edgar , and Kate Wright . Key Storylines & Drama