‘I don’t see Lauren any more’

Lydia Bright tells Closer she’s happy to move on from TOWIE as she plans marriage and babies

he shot to S fame on the first season of TOWIE alongside original cast members Mark Wright, James “Arg” Argent and Lauren Goodger.

But Lydia Bright tells Closer she no longer talks to former best friend Lauren Goodger, saying, “I still speak with Lucy [Mecklenburgh], Ferne [Mccann] and Georgia [Kousoulou]. But I don’t see Lauren so much any more – we kind of lost touch.”

Having starred on the hit reality show for seven years before quitting in 2017, Lydia, 28, has moved on and is, as she says, “the happiest I’ve ever been.”

While she was once half of one of Essex’s longest-running romances – having dated Arg, 30, on and off since they were teenagers – Lydia now lives with her partner, businessman Lee Cronin, in Essex.

She won’t comment on Arg and his new relationship with Gemma Collins, 37 – but she does tell Closer that she thinks she’s found “The One”.

She says, “I know it sounds cheesy, but I think I’ll be with him forever. I knew he was ‘The One’ the minute I met him. It was love at first sight, and I’ve never had that. It’s different from my previous relationship because it’s stable, it’s easy and I’m so happy and comfortable. “I’ve always wanted marriage and I can 100 per cent see myself marrying Lee. I want a family, too – we’ve joked we’re going to name our baby ‘Ant’ because we met at a party called ANTS in Ibiza.” And Lydia’s happiness shows in her appearance – the petite size 8 star has overhauled her body since leaving TOWIE. Fans were quick to praise her toned physique recently when she posted a shot of herself in a bikini.

Since leaving the hit reality show, she’s also developed a newfound love for fitness, and works out with her boyfriend.

She says, “Lee loves the gym, and he’s really got me into using weights. We train together – we’ll go in the evening. It really helps having someone to go with as it gives you motivation – plus I want to look good for him!”

Lydia adds that her happiness in her new relationship has helped her learn to love her body. “I think I’m the most comfortable in my skin that I’ve ever been,” she smiles. “Everyone has little niggles, but now I look in the mirror and I don’t mind those little imperfections. I’m in a great place.”

‘I knew Lee was The One the minute I met him’