ESSEX’S favourite reality TV stars are going to take the plunge into live filming for a The Only Way is Essex special.

Fans of the ITV2 programme, known by the abbreviation TOWIE, will be treated to a live edition of the cult show over the Christmas holidays along with a one-off festive special to be shown the day before.

It is believed the show’s bosses have put a booze ban in place in a bid to avoid any drunken mishaps by the cast who regularly appear out clubbing in different Essex night-spots including Sugar Hut.

Mick Norcross, star of the show the owner of the club in Brentwood and is currently renovating the iconic Grand Hotel in Leigh, tweeted about the upcoming live episode.

Norcross tweeted: “Looking forward to filming live for #TOWIE Christmas Special watch this space!”

Other stars of show have also expressed their excitment about the prospect of going out live across the nation’s TV sets.

Sam Faiers said: "I'm really excited but so so nervous. It's going to be an amazing experience. Who knows what will happen... especially in Essex."

Lucy Mecklenburgh admitted the nerves would get to her.

She said: "I don't know how we're going to do it. It's crazy. Personally I'm just really scared but I know it's exciting too."

It has also been rumoured stars such as Amy Childs from previous series of the programme which first aired in 2010 will make an appearance during the show.

Soap operas Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders have themselves filmed live episodes in the past as part of celebrations for their 50th, 40th and 25th anniversaries respectively.