'It Was Either Joey Or The Show'

Sam Faiers has spoken out about her choice to leave 'The Only Way Is Essex' for former flame fiancé Joey Essex.

The reality star revealed that she wants to focus on rebuilding their relationship, adding that she gave herself a tough ultimatum: Joey or 'TOWIE'.

Sam Faiers and Joey Essex

She told The Mirror: "It was Joey or the show and I chose Joey. When you live out your relationship on a TV show, you lose sight of how much is real and how much is for the cameras.

"That's difficult. There was always someone willing you to fight or make up because it makes good TV. It was what we signed up for, but I can't do it any more."

Joey confirmed that he and Sam were back together last week, when he posted an Instagram snap that showed the pair cuddled up in bed together.

Sam has also said part of her motivation for leaving 'TOWIE', which she has been a part of since it began in 2010, was to focus on her health after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease.

She explained: "I realise now what is important and that's health, happiness and my love for him. It was hard to leave TOWIE but I'm not risking those things anymore. Being ill was the wake-up call to do what makes me happy."

Sam was diagnosed with Crohn's disease after falling ill during her time in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house back in January.

She announced in March that she would be taking a break from 'TOWIE' when its 11th series ended, though later took to her Twitter page to express her disappointment at the way her final scenes had been heavily edited .