Lauren Goodger is an English reality-television personality who first came to public attention as a main cast member on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) in 2010. Born in Hackney, London, she quickly became one of the most recognisable faces of the BAFTA-winning show, particularly known for her long-running on-off relationship with Mark Wright. In July 2026, she released a memoir titled Mum Of Two: Love, Loss And My Life On TOWIE and revealed plans to use a sperm donor to have more children, keeping her firmly in the headlines.
Now 39 years old, Goodger remains active on social media and continues to be a tabloid fixture in the United Kingdom. Her story, spanning more than a decade in the public eye, includes television appearances on Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Big Brother, a high‑profile relationship with Charles Drury, and personal tragedy with the loss of ex‑partner Jake McLean.
Who Is Lauren Goodger?
Lauren Rose Goodger
September 19, 1986 (Hackney, London, England)
Reality TV series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE)
Published memoir ‘Mum Of Two: Love, Loss And My Life On TOWIE’ and announced sperm donor plans
Key Insights
- Lauren Goodger is best known for being a main cast member on TOWIE from 2010, earning a BAFTA‑winning show credit.
- Her personal life has been highly publicised, especially her on‑off relationship with Mark Wright and her tragic baby loss.
- In July 2026, she released a memoir titled Mum Of Two, focusing on motherhood, loss, and her reality TV journey.
- She has stated she will use a sperm donor to have more children, sparking media coverage.
- Despite not being on TOWIE since 2019, she remains a tabloid fixture in the UK.
Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 19 September 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Hackney, London, England |
| Height | Approx. 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Television Debut | TOWIE (2010) |
| Notable Relationship | Mark Wright (2010–2012, 2015) |
| Children | Daughter Larose (born 2021); also suffered miscarriages |
| Latest Book | Mum Of Two: Love, Loss And My Life On TOWIE (2026) |
| @laurengoodger (verified) |
What Is Lauren Goodger’s New Book ‘Mum Of Two’ About?
Goodger’s memoir, Mum Of Two: Love, Loss And My Life On TOWIE, was published in July 2026. According to reporting by The Mirror, the book covers her experiences of motherhood, the loss of a child, and her years on reality television. It also details her decision to pursue a sperm donor in order to expand her family.
What Does the Memoir Cover?
The book interweaves her TOWIE story – from original cast member to on‑off romance with Mark Wright – with the personal grief she has faced. Goodger has spoken openly about a late miscarriage in 2022, as well as the death of her former boyfriend Jake McLean in a car crash in Turkey the same year. The memoir is presented as both a tribute to lost loved ones and a look forward to her future as a single mother.
When Was It Released?
The memoir hit shelves in July 2026. It is available through major book retailers and online. Goodger promoted the book on her verified Instagram account, where she regularly posts personal updates.
Goodger previously published an autobiography titled Secrets of an Essex Girl in 2013. The 2026 memoir marks her first full‑length release in over a decade and the first to address motherhood and baby loss in depth.
Who Has Lauren Goodger Dated?
Mark Wright
Goodger’s relationship with Mark Wright was one of the defining storylines of early TOWIE. The couple dated on and off for around ten years, from 2010 to 2012 and again briefly in 2015. Their “power couple” dynamic was central to the show’s early seasons. After their final split, Wright moved on with actress Michelle Keegan, whom he married in 2015.
Jake McLean
Following her time with Wright, Goodger dated Jake McLean. The relationship was less publicised but ended in tragedy when McLean died in a car accident in Turkey in 2022. Goodger spoke about the loss in subsequent interviews, describing it as a devastating period in her life.
Kyle Walker Rumor
Gossip linking Goodger to footballer Kyle Walker has circulated online, but no credible source or direct confirmation exists. The rumor appears to be internet speculation and has not been substantiated by any mainstream reporting.
What Is Lauren Goodger Doing Now in 2026?
As of 2026, Goodger remains active on social media and is listed as part of the current cast of TOWIE, which continues filming new series. She focuses on her daughter Larose and her online content work, including her verified Instagram account.
In interviews given alongside her book launch, Goodger revealed that she intends to use a sperm donor to have more children. The Mirror quoted her directly on the subject, confirming her plans. She has not yet announced a pregnancy.
Goodger’s daughter Larose, born in 2021 with ex‑partner Charles Drury, remains her primary focus. She has described motherhood as transformative and has been open about the challenges of single parenting.
What Is Lauren Goodger’s TOWIE and Reality TV Career?
- 1986 – Born on 19 September in Hackney, London.
- 2010 – Joined the cast of TOWIE as an original cast member.
- 2010–2012 – High‑profile on‑off relationship with Mark Wright.
- 2013 – Competed on Celebrity Big Brother 14 (seventh evictee).
- 2015 – Brief reunion with Mark Wright; later ended.
- 2019 – Left TOWIE after nine series.
- 2021 – Gave birth to daughter Larose with boyfriend Charles Drury.
- 2022 – Suffered a late miscarriage and spoke publicly about baby loss; also lost ex‑boyfriend Jake McLean.
- 2026 – Released memoir Mum Of Two; revealed plans to use a sperm donor for more children.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Topic | Status |
|---|---|
| Sperm donor plans | Confirmed — reported by The Mirror (July 2026) with direct quotes from Goodger. |
| Kyle Walker relationship rumor | Unconfirmed — no official source or credible reporting linking them. |
| Book publication | Confirmed — the memoir is released and available. |
| Continued presence on Instagram | Confirmed — her verified account @laurengoodger is active. |
How Did TOWIE Shape Lauren Goodger’s Public Image?
The Only Way Is Essex premiered in 2010 and became a cultural phenomenon in British reality television. Goodger was an original cast member, and her relationship with Mark Wright helped define the show’s early narrative of glamour, drama, and romance. The series gave her a platform that led to appearances on Dancing on Ice (2013) and Celebrity Big Brother (2014).
Over the years, tabloid culture amplified her personal life, turning her relationships and later her motherhood journey into ongoing public stories. Her shift from reality star to author reflects a broader trend of celebrities using memoirs to reclaim their narratives, particularly around grief and baby loss.
Where Do the Key Quotes and Sources Come From?
“Lauren Goodger ‘will use sperm donor to have more children’”
– The Mirror, July 14, 2026
“Born September 19, 1986 in Hackney, London, England, UK”
– IMDb biography
“Congratulations to J&J beautiful day for you 🤍🫶🏼 @towie …”
– Instagram post by Lauren Goodger, July 5, 2026
What Is the Takeaway from Lauren Goodger’s Story?
Lauren Goodger remains a resilient figure in British pop culture, moving from reality TV stardom to authorship and advocacy around motherhood and baby loss. Her 2026 memoir and transparent plans about using a sperm donor illustrate her ongoing public evolution. For readers interested in similar journeys, the story of Josie Gibson – Return, Renovation and Off-Grid Plans offers another perspective on life after reality fame. Meanwhile, Jack Osbournes highlights how other television families navigate the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I buy Lauren Goodger’s book?
The memoir ‘Mum Of Two: Love, Loss And My Life On TOWIE’ is available through major book retailers and online. Check official listings.
Is Lauren Goodger still on TOWIE?
No, she left the show in 2019 after nine series, though she has returned for occasional appearances.
Who is the father of Lauren Goodger’s daughter?
Lauren Goodger’s daughter Larose was born in 2021 with her then‑boyfriend Charles Drury.
Did Lauren Goodger date Kyle Walker?
There is no confirmed evidence of a relationship between Goodger and footballer Kyle Walker; this appears to be an unsubstantiated rumor.
What is Lauren Goodger’s Instagram username?
Her verified Instagram handle is @laurengoodger.
How old is Lauren Goodger?
She was born on 19 September 1986, making her 39 years old as of 2026.
Was Lauren Goodger on Celebrity Big Brother?
Yes, she was a housemate on the fourteenth series in 2014 and was the seventh housemate evicted.
What does ‘Mum Of Two’ refer to?
The title of her memoir refers to her daughter Larose and a second child she lost to miscarriage.
Does Lauren Goodger have a background in beauty?
Yes, she has been linked to beauty and salon work, including her own business Lauren’s Way.
What happened to Lauren Goodger’s ex‑boyfriend Jake McLean?
Jake McLean died in a car crash in Turkey in 2022, a loss widely reported in the press.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.