TOWIE's James Lock and Yazmin Oukhellou are latest victims of producers' 'biggest ever cull' after a year of personal dramas Insiders revealed to MailOnline, the couple are taking a step back from the show following Yazmin's breakdown and criticism of James' behaviour In April last year, James came under fire by domestic abuse charities for his treatment of Yazmin following various screaming matches Yazmin meanwhile suffered a host of mental health issues at the end of the 23rd series, during which she took a break to recover The 31-year-old hunk joined the show in 2013, where he was introduced alongside his best pal Dan Osborne in the eighth season Yazmin was later introduced in 2017 as his new girlfriend following the demise of his relationship with co-star Danielle Armstrong By Ciara Farmer For Mailonline Published: 11:16 GMT, 1 February 2019 | Updated: 12:17 GMT, 1 February 2019 20 Viewcomments TOWIE's James Lock and Yazmin Oukhellou have been downgraded to secondary characters on the ITVBe show as producers have executed a huge cull. Insiders tell MailOnline, the couple are stepping back from the show following their personal dramas which were detailed in the last series. Aside from the couple's switch to becoming secondary characters, The Only Way Is Essex bosses have also axed eight stars in the show's biggest ever cull, and are now on the hunt for a new bevvy of Essex-based cast members. Moving on: TOWIE 's James Lock and Yazmin Oukhellou have been downgraded to secondary characters on the ITVBe show as producers have executed a huge cull MailOnline has contacted representatives for TOWIE, James and Yazmin for comment. A source revealed: 'Lockie and Yaz’s turbulent relationship has been well documented and since taking a break at the end of last series they have been working hard on themselves and their relationship... 'They mutually agree with producers that taking an extended break and a back seat is best for them and the show at this time but as two of the show’s most popular characters we’re sure they’ll be back onscreen soon.' Friends of the couple added: 'They are currently in and out of Marrakech building a health, fitness and well-being business and while working hard to build their brand that they’re both very passionate about, they are also on a health and fitness drive and taking the time to work on their relationship.' On the up: Insiders tell MailOnline, the couple are stepping back from the show following their personal dramas which were detailed in the last series Happy days: A source revealed: 'Lockie and Yaz’s turbulent relationship has been well documented and since taking a break at the end of last series they have been working hard on themselves and their relationship' Yazmin's brother Adam, Chris Clark, Dean Ralph and Jordan Wright have all been given the boot, whilst Chloe Lewis and Jon Clark both 'mutually agreed' with producers that they wouldn't return for the next series of the show. An ITVBe spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline that six stars have been cut from TOWIE, including Myles Barnett and his girlfriend and former Love Island star Kady McDermott - who has only appeared in the reality show for one series. Taking to Instagram after the news was announced, Chloe, Myles and Kady broke their silence on Thursday evening amid ongoing reports. In a heartfelt statement, Chloe said: 'After a long four years on The Only Way Is Essex, I'm happy to announce I have decided to leave the show. My life isn't in it anymore and I feel as if it's the right time for me to move on to other things... AXED: Myles Barnett and Kady McDermott are other stars who have departed 'I've had a wonderful time being part of the cast on the show and have made friends for life, I really couldn't of got through the last year without my Courtney and Chloe. Absolute true gems! (sic) 'TOWIE has brought me such amazing opportunities and I wouldn't change it for the world. It's taught me so much and made me who I am today... 'Thank you for everyone's amazing support over the years and truly am very grateful. The best thing I've learnt in this crazy world, is to be strong and to follow your heart. So here we go! Here's to 2019 it's gonna be a good one!' (sic) Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility