After Lauren Pope was humiliatingly dumped on TV by Kirk Norcross last April, she dropped to a tiny size 6 and struggled to gain weight. But now The Only Way Is Essex star says she’s finally happy with her figure again.
Lauren, 28 – who resorted to using protein shakes in a desperate attempt to put on weight – has now gained 11lbs, going from a tiny size 6 to a healthier size 8.
'I didn't feel like myself when I was a size 6. The 5ft 7 star has always been small, but she dropped to around 7st 10lbs after her heartbreak last year. Now back up to around 8 stone, she says: “I was desperate to put on weight and now everyone says I look a lot healthier. My collarbone and ribs aren’t jutting out any more – I feel sexier!”
'I didn't feel like myself when I was a size 6'
Lauren – who was seen recovering from her second boob job last week on TOWIE, after discovering she had faulty Pip implants – adds: “I didn’t feel like myself when I was a size 6 – I looked so tired and skinny.
“I’ve been using a spoonful of protein powder on my breakfast and trying to eat a lot more carb-rich foods like brown rice and also ditched junk food for good. The only downside is that when I put weight on, it goes straight on my legs and bum and I can see cellulite. I want to start a gym routine to sort that out, but I’m too busy at the moment!”
Last month, Lauren launched her own clothing range for Little Mistress, as well as an online dating agency called Hope With Pope – which she admits she’s thinking of joining herself.
'I'm single and, for the first time in my life, I'm happy about it'
The DJ – who hasn’t dated anyone since her nine-month relationship with Kirk ended – says: “I’m going to look through the men who’ve signed up to my agency and see if there are any potentials! I’m single and, for the first time in my life, I’m happy about it.
“It’s hard because there are constant reminders of Kirk, but I don’t think I’d ever get back with him. I was the skinniest I’ve ever been when we split, because I was so heartbroken. Luckily, we’re on speaking terms again now.”
Lauren’s reality star pal Lauren Goodger has been seen battling with her weight since the first series of TOWIE – with former boyfriend Mark Wright making jibes about her size 12-14 figure.
When asked about her friend’s reported plans to slim to a size 10 to win Mark back, Lauren P says: “I’d never change my body for a man. I’ve only ever lost weight for myself.”
And Lauren – who’d like Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole to wear dresses from her clothing line – reveals she’s been a shoulder to cry on for her TOWIE co-star Lydia Bright, after she ended her romance with James “Arg” Argent.
“I can really empathise with Lydia,” says Lauren. “It’s tough ending a relationship that’s been played out in the limelight.
“If they’re meant to be, they’ll get back together. You never know what’s happening behind closed doors.”
By Amy Swales**
**