Defiant Lauren: “I won’t be torn between Joey and the show”
While Lauren Goodger remains in her love bubble with jailbird boyfriend Joey Morrison, she tells pals he won’t damage her reality TV career
She couldn’t be S any more lovedup with her boyfriend Joey Morrison – who is currently serving a 16-year sentence for a string of drugrelated offences and is due for release in March next year.
But insiders reveal that, despite the fact Lauren Goodger is the happiest she’s ever been, pals are concerned the romance is putting her career in jeopardy.
In October, Lauren, 30, made a triumphant return to TOWIE – the show that catapulted her to fame in 2010, where her storylines were dominated by her tumultuous on/off relationship with co-star Mark Wright.
But on her return last year, she appeared more as a supporting star. Instead of being at the centre of the drama, Lauren advised her co-stars, including Megan Mckenna, on their love-life dilemmas.
Show sources reveal to Closer that the producers are worried that Lauren’s romance with Joey can’t play out on-screen – which would be fantastic for ratings.
An insider says: “The TOWIE producers love Lauren – they know she makes brilliant TV and is a key character.”
OFF-SCREEN ROMANCE
The source adds: “But for Lauren to have a regular role, she needs to be at the centre of the drama. They want her to talk about her relationship with Joey but she isn’t keen.
“Lauren knows it’s not possible to film in prison and doesn’t think Joey would agree to be on the show even when he’s released. Lauren wants to keep TOWIE and Joey separate for now.”
FOCUS ON LOVE
Last week, fellow original TOWIE star Lauren Pope announced she was returning to the show – following in the footsteps of Gemma Collins, Charlie King and Lydia Bright, who have all recently returned. And insiders say Lauren would love to feature on the show again, especially as a double act with Lauren Pope – with whom she used to live – but she’s prioritising her relationship and other projects ahead of her TV career.
A source reveals: “Her pals are worried she’s not following her dreams because of her relationship, but she’s reassured them that she’s feeling better than ever and, if anything, Joey is a great support and has already made so many improvements to her life.
“She’s told her friends that she won’t be torn between Joey and TOWIE. She knows that she can still draw in an audience – with or without her love life played out on screen.”
Last week, Lauren posted behind-the-scenes pictures on social media from a photo shoot, captioning them: “It’s all another day another dolla #hassle #workhard #focus #behappy #strong #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle”
WEIGHT-LOSS MISSION
And friends reveal Lauren – who last week revealed she was embarking on a new proteinshake weight-loss mission – reassured pals she’s happy.
A source says: “Lauren currently has a lot of work offers and isn’t concerned about not being on TOWIE. She’s told her pals not to worry. Right now, her relationship is her priority as well as looking and feeling the best she can.”
❛friends worry lauren’s not following her dreams because of Joey❜