The seventh series of The Only Way Is Essex, a British semi-reality television programme, began airing on 30 September 2012 on ITV2. The series concluded after 10 episodes. Series 7 marked the first series not to feature original cast member Lauren Goodger, after her departure from the series in August 2012. It was confirmed that for the first time the entire cast from the previous series would all be returning. In the first episode original cast member Kirk Norcross who appeared in the first three series made a return. Tom Fletcher from the band McFly appeared in episode 4. The series concluded on 31 October and was the fourth and final series to air in 2012. It was announced on 13 November 2012 that three festive specials would air in December 2012, with one episode being broadcast live. The festive specials concluded on 19 December. On 14 December it was confirmed that Mark Wright would make a cameo appearance in the 2012 Christmas special, making it his second return to the show briefly appearing in one episode in series 6. On 19 December Lydia Bright confirmed she would be departing from the series and made her final appearance in the Christmas special. Episode 11 and the TOWIE Live episodes do not appear on the series 7 DVD for unknown reasons although the 2012 Christmas special appears.