The Only Way Is Marbella

Bosses of 'The Only Way Is Essex' are planning an exotic spin-off in sunny Spain.

With the ITV2 reality show - starring perma-tanned Amy Childs, Mark Wright and Sam Faiers - hitting screens for a second series later in the month, producers think the swanky resort of Marbella would be the perfect playground for a swanky spin-off.

Filming for a pilot episode has already began in the wealthy Spanish hotspot, with scenes being shot on the beach, in exclusive nightclubs and even burlesque classes.

An insider explained: "Producers think a show would work amazingly well in Marbella, which is a popular resort with British rich kids.

"The pilot has featured parts of Marbella and nearby Puerto Banus. With an abundance of nightclubs, yachts and millionaires, a fly-on-the wall series there could go down a treat."

While it is not yet known whether a full series in the resort will be commissioned, 'The Only Way Is Marbella' is likely to feature the trials and tribulations of British tourists, ex-pats and Spanish locals.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "It's still early days as to whether a full series will go ahead. But judging from what's been filmed so far, this could be a great show."

Meanwhile, bosses of the Essex-based reality show recently announced plans to launch a northern counterpart in Liverpool, with a whole host of outrageous characters hoped to make the series an even bigger hit than its Southern rival.

An insider revealed: "The producers want it as over the top as possible with as many wannabe WAGs, models and flashy posers as they can get. They think it can be even bigger than 'The Only Way Is Essex'."