They have endured their fair share of highs and lows in the public eye after finding fame on the reality TV scene. And now, insiders tell Closer that after Lauryn Goodman was among the party-goers documenting TOWIE star Lauren Goodger’s birthday celebrations last weekend, the pair have forged a solid friendship, strengthened by their individual hardships.
A source reveals that in a nod to their bond, the women refer to themselves as the ‘Good’ twins – and are on a joint mission to find a man.
The insider says, ‘Lauren and Lauryn have known each another for well over 10 years, having met via Chloe Sims back in the Sugar Hut days. But their sisterhood has been tightened by their experiences with men. Lauren regards Lauryn as one friend she can trust not to stab her in the back. They have shared lots of personal information and often lean on each other for support.’
Original TOWIE cast member Lauren – who celebrated her 38th birthday last week – recently made her podcast debut, sitting down to chat with life coach and matchmaking expert Paul C Brunson on We Need To Talk. The candid conversation charted Lauren’s 14 years in the spotlight, from propelling to overnight fame with ex-boyfriend (and at one time, fiancé) Mark Wright on TOWIE in 2010, to her recent struggles as she continues to push through the pain of losing her daughter Lorena in July 2022. The newborn tragically died hours after birth due to the umbilical cord being wrapped around her neck.
The reality star – who is mum to Larose, three, with ex-boyfriend Charles Drury – said her daughter is what gets her through the grief, but her mental health has taken a notable decline.
‘Do you know what, I’ve never had depression in my life but I’m suffering, I think, 100 per cent,’ Lauren acknowledged.
Meanwhile, influencer Lauryn, 33, has been a regular headline-hitter, especially since it was revealed that she welcomed a second child, Kinara, 13 months, with married footballer Kyle Walker, whose wife, Annie Kilner, was secretly pregnant at the time with their fourth son Rezon. Manchester City player Kyle is also father to Kairo, four, with Lauryn, and Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, and Reign, five, with Annie.
While Kyle and Annie have reportedly been attempting to start afresh, Lauryn appeared on the newest series of Celebs Go Dating in a bid to find love, which came after losing a highly-publicised court battle against Kyle regarding childcare maintenance.
She said on the E4 show, ‘I think people forget my only priority [is] my children. It’s heavy, really heavy, on your energy levels. I feel drained. I feel like I’m constantly going to war for my kids and I’m so sick of the battle.’
And now, an insider tells Closer just how much Lauryn and Lauren – who posed for smiley snaps together at the former’s baby shower last year – have bonded through their respective tumultuous times.
The source says, ‘Lauryn was one of only a handful of friends to comfort Lauren over losing baby Lorena and has stayed close ever since. Likewise, Lauren has supported Lauryn with all the s**t she has been going through – and was standing up for her all the way through her public battles with Annie and Kyle.’
In terms of relationship history, mum-of-two Lauryn is most famous for starting a family with Kyle, but previously dated YouTuber and model Marcus Butler. Lauren, meanwhile, dated Mark on and off for more than a decade before they split for good in 2012.
‘I never, ever thought I was going to love anyone else,’ Lauren told Paul on his podcast, after sharing that Mark was ‘the love of her life’ before they split.
Lauren moved on to date Jake McLean, who tragically passed away in a car accident just days before she lost her daughter Lorena in 2022. Now, she is currently single as she co-parents Larose with Charles. In February, he was cleared of assault after being charged with inflicting actual bodily harm on Lauren in August 2022.
Now, our insider adds that in light of their unsuccessful dating history, Lauryn is helping Lauren bag herself a footballer, especially after the TOWIE alum claimed last year that she has sportsmen in her DMs.
The source says, ‘Lauren has always been vocal about how she’s wanted to date a footballer, and now Lauryn is helping her.
‘Both girls agree that they attract losers and need to look in other directions – definitely out of Essex for Lauren – and focus on good men with values. Fame is a curse as they say men get with them for the wrong reasons. But now, they’re hoping to date footballers and city slickers!’
