Can lauren rescue her big comeback?
l Lauren Goodger’s confidence is knocked after her return to TOWIE is cruelly mocked by viewers l She’s ‘annoyed’ by reports that police are investigating her after an alleged nightclub brawl l Sources say she’s ‘hell-bent’ on proving critics wrong
er long-awaited H return to TOWIE was meant to signal a triumphant career relaunch. But Lauren Goodger is reeling from a string of setbacks since her appearance on the show a week ago.
While many welcomed her comeback, after a four-year absence, it was overshadowed by damning online criticism over her looks.
Despite working hard to get in shape ahead of her TV return, with trips to the gym as well as face and body treatments, Lauren came under attack for her appearance. One cruel user Tweeted: “Remember the camera adds 10lbs. So Lauren must have 4 [cameras] on her.” While another added: “Shame about the face.”
Lauren was also likened to a Little Britain character by one Tweeter, while another TOWIE fan called her: “Lauren pan-faced Goodger.”
A source close to the 30-yearold star tells Closer: “Lauren is used to the nasty comments, although she can’t help but feel that every time she gets herself back up, she’s knocked down again. She’s upset, but also focused on how many people Tweeted to say they were happy to see her back on the show. Her confidence has taken a knock, but she knows how to brush off the critics.”
POOR ADVICE
Lauren was also slammed by viewers for trying to persuade her heartbroken co-star Megan Mckenna to forgive her cheating ex, Pete Wicks. The TOWIE original, who dated co-star Mark Wright on and off for 10 years, advised a distraught Megan: “I think you should stay with Pete. Obviously my loyalty lies with you, but I want to see you with him because I think he’s good for you.”
Following the scene, one viewer Tweeted: “Of course Lauren Goodger suggested Megan gets back with Pete! Lauren has no respect for herself and will always go out with guys who don’t respect her.”
NIGHTCLUB ATTACK
Just days after the episode aired, Lauren hit the headlines yet again as reports surfaced she was being investigated by police after an alleged brawl in Essex club Sugar Hut. Bouncers were reportedly forced to separate the reality star from two female clubbers described as “troublemakers.”
An insider reveals: “Lauren’s annoyed by reports that people are making these claims against her and speaking to the police. She despairs because she feels they’re using her name to make headlines just because she’s famous.”
Following the incident, Essex Police said: “We are investigating reports of assaults occurring at around 1.30am on Sunday morning, October 9, on the first floor of the Sugar Hut in Brentwood High Street.
Officers were contacted with reports three women were assaulted.”
The insider adds: “Lauren’s annoyed that this story has the potential to overshadow her TOWIE return. Her friends are assuring her it will all blow over, but she’s determined for the truth to come out.
“It’s such a shame. She’d hoped TOWIE would mark an exciting new phase but, with the nightclub incident too, the whole week was awful for her.”
STEALING LIMELIGHT
Lauren was a main character when TOWIE first aired in 2010, but her comeback show saw the star appear in just one brief scene. A source adds: “Lauren was disappointed she wasn’t given more air time. She’s hellbent on turning things around and stealing back the spotlight. She says she’ll even create her own on-screen romance if that’s what it takes to become a main character again.”
Lauren has suffered her fair share of setbacks since her rise to fame. Her salon was torn apart by petrol bombs just hours after its opening in 2012 and she was humiliated in 2014 when a sex tape was leaked online.
The unlucky-in-love star – who split from on-off boyfriend Jake Mclean in May after four years – has also been mocked over her weight, as well as her cosmetically-enhanced looks. The size 12 star recently admitted she’d gained some of the 4st she’d impressively lost last year and was on a mission to slim down to a size 8-10.
A source says: “If there’s one thing Lauren knows how to do, it’s to bounce back. She knows her TV comeback has suffered a few dramas, but she’s a tough cookie and is determined to prove the haters wrong.”