Mario Falcone is set to make a full-time return to 'The Only Way is Essex'.

The 29-year-old reality TV star made a brief cameo in the last series of the ITVBe show - two years after he was suspended for promoting slimming pills online - and enjoyed his stint so much that he's asked bosses if he can become a permanent cast member following the return of favourites Lauren Pope, Gemma Collins and Lauren Goodger.

A source told The Sun Online: "Mario can't wait to join the cast again on a permanent basis. He's missed being a part of it and only making cameo appearances."

But it doesn't look like the Italian stallion will be alone as he's asked producers if his fiancee Becky Miesner - who he proposed to last month - can join him on the programme so that they can document the preparations for their wedding.

The insider explained: "He really wants Becky to star on the show with him - and is in talks with bosses for her to feature."

Mario won't be the only familiar face to grace screens when the show returns later this summer as Mike Hassini has also persuaded bosses to let him come back after he convinced them that he had "turned over a new leaf"after he was suspended late last year because he was caught drink-driving and with cocaine in his car.

An insider said recently: "Mike has come a long way in the last year. He had a lot of growing up to do but he's focused on himself and has turned over a new leaf. The show is happy to have him back and hopes he can continue to prove he's a changed man."

Mike was banned from driving for 21 months in December after he pleaded guilty to having cocaine in his possession and being over the alcohol limit when he crashed his Mercedes in London's Oxford Street following the show's end-of-series wrap party.

He was also slapped with a £170 fine and ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.