SAMMY Root and Elma Pazar were greeted by cheers from their Towie co-stars as they made their return to the show.
The couple took a break from filming while starring in this year's series of .
But , 23, and , 32, are back in Essex and their pals were thrilled to see them.
In exclusive first look at Sunday night's episode they are welcomed by the likes of , , and .
And Sammy told Flying Eze he and Elma have taken a huge step in their relationship.
He said: “On the weekend she met my family... that was a treat. They were all really happy.
“And I went to meet her sister... we were there and that went really good.”
Elma also revealed why she thinks her relationship with Sammy is lasting away from the villa.
She said: “We have not been in each other's pockets, which I think is very healthy. We have both gone back to our lives which is nice.
“We have still got each other – we speak every single day, and I met his family.
“Our families watched us for the last few weeks and probably feel like they know us inside out so it is nice for them to meet us properly.”
Elma and Sammy faced .
But he insisted they never took things further than a flirty friendship.
He said: “The first time we met it was very flirty.
“And then every time we filmed, we flirted a little bit. It
didn't go anywhere... and it took us to be in the right place at the right time to start.
“As soon as it started it felt really, really natural.”
