TOWIE’S Sam Mucklow has QUIT to continue his “fairytale” relationship with girlfriend Shelby Tribble away from the “anxiety” of the ITVBe programme.
The 27-year-old only joined the cast last year but admitted he has been struggling to balance the show with his other work commitments.
Announcing his departure in a statement on Instagram, Sam wrote: “GOODBYE TOWIE! I made the decision to leave Towie. It was something I have been contemplating for some time and I finally had to make a decision about what I wanted to do.
“After the away trip in Spain I took a few weeks off of filming to try and get back on top of my work that I had let slide away from me. Juggling filming 3 days a week and trying to manage my various work commitments it was no longer feasible for me to continue on the show.
“After having long discussion with various people at the Towie production company we made the mutual decision that it would be best for me to leave the show.
“Me and @shelbytribble have never been happier and we are continuing our little fairytale away from the pressure and anxiety from the show.
“I really feel I have made the right decision to focus on the things that are truly important to me!
“I wish everyone the best of luck cast and crew I have been extremely lucky to be part of such an amazing show! It’s been a short but eventful part of my life and I will be putting it down to a life experience with no regrets.
“I’m walking away with a smile on my face and a beautiful girl on my arm Thank you everyone at @towie @limepicturestv & @itvbe .”
Over the weekend it was revealed Sam faked an engagement to Shelby in a bid to “ruin ex Nicole Bass’s birthday“.
He raised eyebrows with a cryptic post to his Instagram page on Saturday that hinted he’d popped the question.
A series of comments from Sam and Shelby’s famous pals appeared to confirm the exciting news – but it has now been reported that Sam asked friends to comment to “make the proposal look real”.
The post came one day before Sam’s ex Nicole’s 28th birthday, which is said to have been a calculated move on his part.
An insider explained: “Shelby and Sam aren’t really engaged.
“They’re not even in the same country – he’s on holiday in Barbados with his family and Shelby is at home.”
They added to the MailOnline: “Sam was keen to make ex Nicole jealous on her birthday and ruin her weekend.
“He wanted the proposal to look real so text several of his famous friends to comment congratulations on his post.”
However, it appears that the plan did not work.
A rep for Nicole said: “Nicole hasn’t spoken to Sam in months and she knew nothing of his and Shelby’s engagement until notified.”
Sam and Nicole split last September after just six months of dating, with the star going on to find love with 26-year-old Shelby a month later.
Yesterday, Sam shared a photo of himself kissing Shelby alongside the caption: “Who’s coming to the wedding?” and a bride and groom emoji.
Towie favourites Liam Gatsby, Courtney Green and Tommy Mallet left their well-wishes on the post, with Liam commenting: “Of course she was gonna say Yes!!!!!! Congrats you two”.
Shelby did not comment on the supposed engagement on her own social media page, despite being active online.
