Lauren Goodger has had a tumultuous love life that has been heavily scrutinized by the public eye. The former The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) star, known for her reality TV fame, has experienced both love and heartbreak throughout her relationships. From childhood sweethearts to tragic losses,
her romantic journey is one that has been marked by ups and downs, with each chapter of her life making headlines. Here’s a deep dive into Lauren Goodger’s relationship history, covering everything from her engagement to Mark Wright to the untimely death of her ex-boyfriend Jake McLean.
Mark Wright: The Childhood Sweetheart
Lauren’s most famous relationship began with Mark Wright, her childhood sweetheart. The two started dating when they were just 15 years old and had a highly publicized romance spanning 11 years. Their on-and-off relationship was a central plotline on TOWIE, especially when Mark proposed to Lauren during the show in 2011.
However, their engagement lasted only five months, and they had a very public breakup. Rumors swirled about Lauren being unfaithful, but she denied these claims, later calling Mark “toxic.” Despite their long history, the relationship officially ended, and in 2015, Mark married actress Michelle Keegan. Lauren eventually removed the tattoo of Mark’s name that she had gotten during their time together.
Jake McLean: A Tragic Love
Lauren’s relationship with Jake McLean began in 2012. The couple’s on-and-off romance was marked by both joy and sorrow. In 2013, Lauren suffered a miscarriage while pregnant with Jake’s child. Their relationship, like many of Lauren’s, was described as “toxic,” and they eventually broke up in 2016.
Tragedy struck again when Jake McLean tragically passed away in a car accident in 2022. He lost control of his vehicle, and though his passenger, Yazmin Oukhellou, survived, Jake died at the scene. Lauren was devastated by the news and paid tribute to Jake on social media, expressing her heartbreak. Despite their rocky past, Lauren maintained that Jake had been a significant part of her life, and his passing deeply affected her.
Joey Morrison: The Prison Romance
Lauren’s relationship with Joey Morrison was one of the most controversial in her dating history. Joey was serving time in prison for drug-related offenses when they began dating in 2016. Their relationship raised eyebrows, especially given Joey’s criminal history. However, Lauren defended their love, stating that Joey, despite his background, was loyal and caring.
Their relationship lasted for two and a half years, during which Lauren got another tattoo in honor of Joey. But like her previous relationships, this one ended in heartbreak. After Joey was released from prison in 2018, the pair eventually went their separate ways. Lauren later removed the tattoo of Joey’s name as well.
Charles Drury: Love, Loss, and Controversy
Lauren’s most recent and highly publicized relationship has been with Charles Drury, a builder and former flame of Katie Price. The couple started dating in 2020, and their whirlwind romance quickly turned serious. Just three months after going public with their relationship, Lauren announced that she was pregnant with their first child.
In July 2021, they welcomed their daughter Larose, but their relationship hit a rough patch shortly after. They briefly split when Charles admitted to having a fling during their separation. However, they rekindled their relationship, and Lauren soon announced that she was pregnant with their second child.
Tragedy struck once again when their second daughter, Lorena, passed away just minutes after her birth in 2022. As if this wasn’t heartbreaking enough, Lauren also experienced domestic abuse allegations against Charles, claiming that he attacked her on the day of their baby’s funeral. While Charles was arrested, he denied the allegations and was released on bail.
Reflecting on Lauren’s Journey
Lauren Goodger’s love life has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by toxic relationships, tragic losses, and moments of happiness. Despite facing numerous hardships, she has continued to show resilience and strength through it all. Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities of love, especially when played out in the public eye.
Conclusion
Lauren Goodger’s love life has been anything but smooth. From her early days with Mark Wright to the more recent tragedies surrounding Jake McLean and Charles Drury, her relationships have been a focal point of her public persona. Despite the heartbreak and controversies, Lauren has continued to move forward, showing a strength that many admire. Through it all, she remains a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Lauren Goodger’s first serious relationship?
Lauren Goodger’s first serious relationship was with Mark Wright, her childhood sweetheart. They dated for 11 years, with their romance heavily documented on TOWIE. Despite their long history together, the relationship ended after a brief engagement in 2011.
2. What happened to Lauren Goodger’s ex-boyfriend Jake McLean?
Jake McLean tragically passed away in a car accident in 2022. He was driving in Turkey with his on-and-off girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou when he lost control of the vehicle. Jake died at the scene, while Yazmin survived with serious injuries.
3. How many children does Lauren Goodger have?
Lauren Goodger has one surviving child, her daughter Larose, born in July 2021. Her second daughter, Lorena, tragically passed away shortly after birth in 2022.
4. What controversies surrounded Lauren’s relationship with Charles Drury?
Lauren’s relationship with Charles Drury has been marked by controversy, including allegations of domestic abuse and infidelity. Charles was arrested for allegedly assaulting Lauren on the day of their baby’s funeral, though he denied the claims and was released on bail.
5. Did Lauren Goodger have tattoos of her ex-boyfriends?
Yes, Lauren Goodger had tattoos of several of her ex-boyfriends, including Mark Wright, Jake McLean, and Joey Morrison. She has since had all of these tattoos removed following the end of her relationships.