A The Only Way is Essex character has allegedly been axed from the show amid claims he taking paid sick leave from London’s fire brigade to film the ITV show.

Jordan Wright, 25, has been a regular on TV screens in this season of the show, but has come under scathing criticism in national press today.

Although unconfirmed at the moment, a host if tabloids are reporting that the 25-year-old has will be taking a “short break” from the show, and a small slot on Sunday’s show will be his final appearance this season.

Allegedly, Mr Wright has been taking paid sick leave from his job at the London Fire Brigade.

According to the Mirror, Mr Wright has been off work since February, claiming sick pay, despite featuring in every episode of the latest ITVBe series, which has been aired on Sunday nights since returning on March 12.

A spokesman for the fire brigade refused to comment on individual cases, but stated the service has a clear policy that uniformed staff cannot undertake other work without obtaining written consent from senior officials first.

Mr Wright, who described himself as a personal trainer and DJ, has reportedly not cleared his work with ITV with fire chiefs.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The Brigade has a clear policy on secondary employment which states that uniformed staff are not permitted to undertake outside employment without first obtaining the written consent from senior officers and working while on sick leave is also prohibited unless in pre agreed circumstances.

“While the policy is clear, we are not prepared to discuss it in relation to individual members of staff.”