Real Housewives of Cheshire star Ampika Pickston has stunned fans by announcing on Twitter that she has left the ITVBe show.

Ampika told her 72,000 followers that she was no longer a Cheshire Housewife, but teased she would soon be returning to our TV screens on another 'secret' project.

The beauty entrepreneur tweeted: “The crown became to small and throne wasn’t high enough thank you for all your support you will be seeing more of me next trust me #secret.”

News that she was leaving the show came just ahead of the start of the new series of Celebrity Big Brother - leaving many to think she would turn up on the Channel 5 show.

As that didn’t happen, rumours are now growing that she could turn up in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC, perhaps the next I’m A Celebrity... Get me Out of Here on ITV, or maybe even the return of ITV’s Dancing on Ice in the new year.

Show bosses have already confirmed that there will be two new faces joining the show but are yet to announce the full line-up, and who the new cast members are.

Stars of the reality show have already been seen filming at Chester's Crusie nightclub will soon be returning to ITVBe with two new housewives.

News of the new arrivals was first announced in a teaser clip featuring original Housewives Tanya, Leanne and Lauren Simon, who have been in every series since the show premiered in January 2015 along with Ampika and interior designer Dawn.

Ampika had a bold look for Leanne's 40th birthday party

Fans are upset at the news Ampika, renowned for her flamboyant dress sense is leaving the show.

One tweeted: “@ITVBe the news of ampika leaving is such sad news.. she is the most entertaining housewife! Please try convince @AmpikaPickston1 to return.”

Another said: “She’s the only reason I watch! Who’s going to say it like it is now?!”