She shot to fame on TOWIE in 2010 – the hit show synonymous with fake tans, false eyelashes, and backcombed hair – so it comes as no surprise to learn that Lauren Goodger is itching to resume her high-maintenance routine as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Lauren, 33, laughs as she tells Closer, “I can’t wait to see my friends and family, but I really want to have a blow-dry and a spray tan, get my eyebrows and nails done, and get my veneers completed. They’re hanging by a thread.”
She adds, “This is what Essex is like and how I’ve always been. I miss the pampering, and I like my facials and massages! I miss eating out, too – I just want to be waited on.”
While she’s seemingly in good spirits now, Lauren – who suffers with ongoing anxiety – feared for her life at the start of the pandemic. “When it all came about, I was petrified. I thought I was going to die,” she says.
“My anxiety was up and down because I was scared. I was like a lunatic and I was gargling TCP antiseptic every morning because I thought I had a sore throat. I’m doing better, but I bleach my shopping and wipe my fridge down – it takes forever.”
Lauren also misses exercise, which she credits for keeping her mental health in check. Before lockdown, she trained four times a week with her personal trainer, but she’s determined to stay in shape by avoiding junk food and going on long walks.
Although she posted a video on Instagram downing a glass of Prosecco as part of an Instagram challenge recently, the star also says she’s curtailing her alcohol consumption.
Check out: axed TOWIE stars - where are they now?
CLOSER - axed TOWIE cast members where are they now? In 2019
1 of 54Jake Hall, series 14 -17
Jake's time on TOWIE was mainly characterised by his on / off relationship with Chloe Lewis and his alleged cheating on her. He finally (sort of) confessed that he'd done the dirty with Megan McKenna in a very emosh scene on a park bench. Ah, precious memories.
2 of 54Jake Hall, 2019
Jake is now engaged to former Real Housewives of Cheshire star Missé Beqiri and they have a child together. Just before Christmas 2018, Jake was given a restraining order following a bust up between the pair.
3 of 54Pascal Craymer, series ten
Pascal Cramer walked into TOWIE series ten as the new squeeze of Mario Falcone. Sadly, Mario still had the hots for his former flame Lucy Mecklenburgh. Pascal found out when she watched the episode in which Mario admitted his feelings for Lucy. AWKWARD.
4 of 54Pascal Craymer, 2018
Pascal recently dated king of the jungle trouser snake Nick Knowles although they split before he entered I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! We do not believe that is a real guitar.
5 of 54Lauren Goodger, series one - six, 16 and 19
Remember when Lauren looked like this? She was a TOWIE OG and her on / off relationship with Mark Wright, including getting engaged in a car park, was the stuff of reality TV dreams.
6 of 54Lauren Goodger, 2019
Lauren is still much loved by the public although her she is still unlucky in love. In summer 2019, the reality TV queen kickstarted her hunt for love with the help of the agents on Celebs Go Dating.
7 of 54Maria Fowler, series 1 - 3
Maria, on the left with Joey Essex and Chloe Sims in 2011, was in the show from the get-go but her TV career was rocked when it was alleged she'd worked as an escort. She's since said she quit 'by mutual consent' after she refused an on-screen romance with Mick Norcross.
8 of 54Maria Fowler, 2018
Maria's now a proud mummy, engaged to be married and a self-proclaimed permanent make-up artist.
9 of 54Dan Osborne, series 8 - 14
Dan Osborne, pictured here with James Argent in 2013, managed seven series on the show. He was given the boot after a series of recordings, claiming to show Dan being verbally abusive towards his ex-girlfriend Megan Tomlin, came to light.
10 of 54Dan Osborne, 2018
Dan is still in the spotlight due to his relationship with ex-EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa. In May 2018 he described their marriage as "unhappy", but the couple have share daughters Ella and Mia together. Dan also has a son Teddy.
11 of 54Amber Dowding, series 18 - 21
Amber was part of a mega cull of seven Towie characters in January 2018. She claimed that she and her boyfriend Chris Clark were cut because they were happy. They've now split and Chris has reappeared on the show.
12 of 54Amber Dowding, 2019
If Amber's social media is anything to go by, she now appears to mostly be on holiday. Pretty goals from where we're sitting.
13 of 54Mike Hassini, series 16 - 18 and 21
Mike Hassini brought a hot bod to TOWIE and...not much else. He was cut in January 2018 due to a lack of storylines as he was loved-up outside the telly show.
14 of 54Mike Hassini, 2019
Mike is working as a PT, still loved-up, and still has a very hot bod. Blimey.
15 of 54Jack Rigden, series 20 - 21
Jack Rigden tried hard, so hard, to make an impression on Towie but his lack of on-screen romance and agg saw him get very little camera time. He was part of the big cull of January 2018.
16 of 54Jack Rigden, 2022
Jack now owns a Fish and Chip business called Let's Get Battered. He also has an Instagram page dedicated to his love of cooking and all things food called @rigdensrecipes.
17 of 54Jordan Brook, series 20 - 21
Jordan and Jack were brought in as friends of Megan McKenna. When she quit, they were left without any storylines.
18 of 54Jordan Brooks, 2019
Jordan has recently broken up with Sofia Filipe of Ex On The Beach, following a year-long romance.
19 of 54Ricky Rayment, series 4 - 14
We still think very fondly of Ricky. His rocky relationship with Jess Wright was a huge part of the show but when they finally broke up, well... Ricky left the show "by mutual agreement"with Towie bosses.
20 of 54Ricky Rayment, 2019
Ricky now seems to mainly go fishing.
21 of 54Tom Pearce, series 5 - 13
Remember when Tom Pearce dated Lauren Goodger following her split from Mark Wright? That was an odd time. He was quietly shown the back doorof the show in 2014.
22 of 54Tom Pearce, 2019
Honestly? We're not 100% sure what Tom is actually doing these days. He used to work in the City, and his holidays certainly look pretty epic, so maybe that.
23 of 54Grace Andrews, series 11 - 12
Grace almost had a romantic relationship with Lewis Bloor (shudder) and that was the beginning and end of her time on Towie.
24 of 54Grace Andrews, 2019
Grace is now involved in a semi-permanent make-up company. Those Towie stars must really hate cleanser.
25 of 54Fran Parman, series 11 - 16
Fran's original romantic interest was Tom Pearce but he stepped aside to allow Diags to woo her. Bad luck. Their relationship was turbulent but apparently not turbulent enough for show producers. Diags stayed, she went.
26 of 54Fran Parman, 2019
Fran and Diags split and she now hangs out in clothing that does not look very practical. The star still enjoys partying and she is often seen out with ex Love Island stars.
27 of 54Jasmin Walia, series 1 and 7-17
Jasmin managed eight series until she was given the boot. In 2015 her agent stated: "TOWIE is very storyline dependent and Jasmin did not have much going on that we could show on screen."Ouch. She went on to audition for The X Factor. It did not go well. She also took part in reality show Desi Rascals, that lasted for one series.
28 of 54Jasmin Walia, 2019
Jasmin is still being papped, which is more than can be said for some of the other ex-Towie stars.
29 of 54Harry Derbridge, series 1- 3 and 12
Harry Derbridge was a Towie original and still holds a very special place in our hearts. He made a welcome return to the show as Bobby Norris's love interest but, allegedly, cheated on him.
30 of 54Harry Derbridge, 2019
Harry now works it as a make-up artist. Is it us, or does he look like he might have had a little help with lip fillers?
31 of 54Billie Faiers, series 2 - 18
Billie followed in her sister's footsteps and joined the TOWIE cast in the second series. The beauty was never involved in any of the love stories on the show, yet was often locked in fiery rows.In 2016, the 29 year old left the reality show after five years to concentrate on her family and other business ventures.
32 of 54Billie Faiers, 2019
Billie and her new-hubbie Greg got hitched in March 2019 in a luxurious wedding in the Maldives.They became parents for the first time to Nelly in 2014, followed by their son Arthur born in March 2017. Billie is the director of high-street fashion brand Minnies Boutique and stars in the Mummy Diaries alongside her sister Sam.
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33 of 54Sam Faiers, series 1 - 11
Sam appeared in the first episode of The Only Way Is Essex and starred in eleven series of the show. Initially, she was involved with Mark Wright despite him being in an on/off relationship with Lauren Goodger In series 2, Sam started her romance with Joey Essex and they got engaged during series 8. In March 2014, Faiers announced that she would be taking a break from TOWIE after the end of its eleventh series, due to her recent Crohn's disease diagnosis.
34 of 54Sam Faiers, 2019
Sam now stars in her and Billie's spin-off show, The Mummy Diaries on ITVBe. The reality star has children Paul, 4, and Rosie, 2, with her boyfriend Paul Knightley. She runs her own clothing line, All Bits London and lives in Hertfordshire.
35 of 54Ferne McCann, series 9 - 17
Ferne McCann made her debut on series 9 of The Only Way Is Essex in 2013, while on holiday in Marbella. Ferne is best known for her on/off relationship with TOWIE star Charlie Sims (Chloe Sims brother - awks!)
36 of 54Ferne McCann, 2019
Ferne came runner up on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015, losing out to new bestie Vicky Pattison.Since then she has landed several presenting roles and seemed loved up with her boyfriend Arthur Collins. However, things went sour when Arthur was arrested for throwing acid in a nightclub.She gave birth to baby Sunday in November 2017. Ferne now raises her child alone as a single parent, after calling time on her relationship with Arthur. She stars in her own show, Ferne McCann: First Time Mum
37 of 54James 'Arg' Argent, series 1–19 and 21–23
Arg shot to fame on the reality show in 2010 alongside then girlfriend Lydia Bright. After his first split from Lydia, his on-off romance with Gemma Collins first started. Between 2013 - 2015 Gemma dated newbie Rami, while Arg got back together with Lydia.In October 2014, Argent was suspended from The Only Way Is Essex after failing a drugs test. He returned to the series, but left in 2018.
38 of 54James 'Arg' Argent, 2019
Despite attempting to mantain his up-and-down body transformation, Arg is still in an on-off relationship with Gemma Collins. He occasionally stars in her new show, Diva Forever.
39 of 54Lydia Bright, series 1–7, 9, and 11–20
She shot to fame as part of the original cast of Towie in 2010. She became known for her on-off relationship with fellow cast member James 'Arg' Argent.Lydia and Args' relationship pre-dates that of even Towie as the pair have been on and off since they were teenagers, but after his infidelity and drug use, Lydia called it quits.
40 of 54Lydia Bright, 2019
In August, Lydia made the announcement that she's expecting a child. This will be Lydia's first child, which she conceived during her relationship with Lee Cronin. The two, however, are no longer together.
41 of 54Shelby Tribble, series 22-25
Shelby didn't have the easiest time on TOWIE; she was left heartbroken after Pete Wicks did the dirty on her, she fell out with Sam Mucklow and then had an epic fall out with BFFs Clelia Theodorou and Olivia Attwood.
42 of 54Shelby Tribble, 2019
After reuniting with Sam and falling out with her BFFs, Shelby decided to leave the show with her boyfriend. In May 2020, she announced she's pregnant with her first child.
43 of 54Sam Mucklow, series 23-25
Billi Mucklow's brother Sam joined TOWIE and despite his rocky friendship turned relationship with Shelby, they managed to make things work and in 2019 he revealed he was quitting the show to focus on his "fairytale" relationship.
44 of 54Sam Mucklow, 2019
Months after quitting TOWIE in favour of his relationship, Sam and his girlfriend announced they're expecting their first child together.
45 of 54Jon Clark, series 17-23
Following his stint on Love Island, Jon Clark joined the cast of TOWIE and had a row with Kate Wright, dated Lauren Pope and pretty much kicked off with the majority of the cast.
46 of 54Jon Clark, 2018
Jon was reportedly 'suspended' from the ITVBe show after he allegedly assaulted Diags. He has pretty much remained out of the spotlight since.
47 of 54Chris Clark, series 17-23
Chris Clark joined TOWIE and started dating Amber Dowding but they split and he went on to date Jesy Nelson. He then got back with Amber and they were both axed from the show.
48 of 54Chris Clark now
Following his split from Amber, Chris returned to the show but left again shortly after. He also fell out with BFF Myles Barnett. And judging by his Instagram account he appears to travel a lot - lucky.
49 of 54Myles Barnett, series 20-23
Myles joined the reality show because he was dating Courtney Green. However their relationship was very rocky and during one row he called her a "dirty dog" and a "sl-g". After he split from Courtney he then moved on with Kady McDermott however after one series together they were axed.
50 of 54Myles Barnett, 2019
Myles announced that he was leaving the ITVBe show to focus on his relationship and career before adding he would share his life on social media "instead of it being in the hands of tv editors who are strangers to me". However it appears that he's since split from Kady despite buying a house with her.
51 of 54Kady McDermott, series 23
Kady joined TOWIE during series 23 and caused quite a stir among Myles' ex-girlfriend Courtney Green and her pals. She only lasted one series but ended her stint with an explosive row with Amber Turner.
52 of 54Kady McDermott, 2020
Kady may have split from Myles Barnett since their time on TOWIE but she's an influencer, a house owner and a TikTok star.
53 of 54Mario Falcone, series 3-21 (on/off)
Mario first joined TOWIE during series 3 and went on to date and get engaged to Lucy Mecklenburgh. They then split and he was an on/off the show but decided to leave in 2018 because "it just wasn't for me anymore."
54 of 54Mario Falcone, 2019
Following his time on the show Mario and his partner Becky Miesner got engaged and welcomed their son Parker into the world.
She says, “I’ve been doing a few home workouts and going for walks, but I can’t wait to start seeing my trainer, Keegan, again.
"I’ve been cooking from fresh and eating healthily. At the start, I was eating more than I normally would, but now, I don’t keep bad foods in the house.
“I had a break from alcohol, because it triggers my anxiety and I can’t handle the hangovers. I’ve had a glass here and there, and obviously I’ll go clubbing with the girls when it’s all over, but I don’t really like drinking indoors.”
The star has spoken candidly about her weight, admitting she’s yo-yoed over the years, but these days she prefers being curvier and says she feels sexier as she is right now.
“I’ve been smaller in the past, but it didn’t always suit me. As I’ve got older I don’t have as many hang-ups because I’ve matured. I’m a curvy girl, I’ve got boobs, a bum and thick legs. I find that sexy.”
Watch: 'Is that a nude?' Ex On The Beach's Joey Essex and Calum Best reveal their last deleted pictures 🤭
Meanwhile, last week, Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey broke lockdown rules to travel from Manchester to Essex to visit Jake McLean, who dated Lauren for four years from 2012. Lauren insists she’s unaffected by rumours the pair are dating, and remains friends with Jake.
“The pictures don’t bother me,” she says. “Jake and I have always remained friends. We’re in contact now and then and probably always will be. We’re on good terms.”
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While her relationships have often made headlines – especially with Mark Wright – the star has no regrets about having her romances played out in the limelight.
She explains, “The whole show was about my love life and girls could relate to me. I was hurt, I was in love, and engaged. That relationship lasted 12 years, ten years prior to TOWIE, and two years during it.
"It was a genuine relationship – there was so much that happened off camera. It wasn’t all bad, but obviously we were making a TV show.
“It’s annoying getting dragged into my ex’s life, but I understand it’s a massive part of where we started, and people will always be interested. It’s like other people in the public eye, like Brad and Jennifer. I get it, but it goes over my head now.”
During lockdown, Lauren reveals she’s reflected on her love life, and hints she has dates lined up.
“I don’t like bad boys – I won’t be going for one again. They’re not my usual type. Mark wasn’t a bad boy and neither was Jake. I want someone who’s genuine and could be a good father. I’d go out with a normal bloke who works in an office – if he’s fit,” she laughs, before adding, “I’d love a man in a uniform, like a doctor or a policeman. Those types of men are heroes.
“There are a few things going on at the minute. I’ve got dates when lockdown is over. I had a few DMs sliding my way.”
And after spending the past eight weeks alone, Lauren admits she’s never felt so broody.
“Lockdown would have been the perfect time to have a boyfriend and a baby,” she says. “I’m happy single, but I can’t wait to get married – I want a baby so badly. I’ve been maternal since I was 19. I’d love as many as I can – I just need to find the right man.”
Read even more sizzling celeb stories in this week's Closer magazine - out now. Can't get to the shops? No problem. Find out how to get Closer at home.