Lauren Goodger appeared almost unrecognisable in a collection of nostalgic teenage throwback photographs, as the reality television personality reflected on an era when life felt significantly less complicated. The former star of The Only Way Is Essex, now aged 39, posted the series of snaps to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, showcasing a strikingly different look from her current appearance.
A Blast from the Past
In the images, Lauren sported blonde highlighted hair, a dramatic departure from her usual brunette style that fans have become accustomed to in recent years. Captured posing in the toilets during a night out, she was dressed in typical early 2000s fashion, complete with a chunky belt and stacks of bangles adorning her wrists. Accompanying the photographs, she wrote a poignant caption: 'Right back when life was much less complicated.'
TOWIE Origins and On-Screen Persona
Lauren Goodger first joined the hit reality television show TOWIE in 2010, becoming part of the original cast alongside fellow stars Sam Faiers, Lydia Bright, and Kirk Norcross. Her time on the programme was marked by memorable outbursts and heated interactions with other cast members, which became a central part of her portrayal and contributed to her public profile. These formative years on television established her as a recognisable figure in British entertainment.
Regrets Over Surgical Procedures
In a candid interview conducted last year, Lauren openly shared her plans to return to looking like her old self, revealing intentions to have her breast and buttock implants removed. Speaking to The Sun newspaper, she admitted that the cosmetic surgery she has undergone has left her feeling that her body appears 'abnormal'.
She expressed regret about getting the work done, stating: 'I've ruined my looks with surgery - I hate my fake boobs and bum now. I feel like my body looks abnormal - I don't need these massive boobs and massive bum.' Lauren added that when she looks at herself naked in the mirror, all she sees are 'lumps and bumps everywhere,' and she believes her 'massive boobs and bum' have made her appear larger than she actually is.
OnlyFans Career and Financial Motivations
Elsewhere in her recent revelations, Lauren Goodger opened up about her motivations for working on the adult subscription platform OnlyFans. The reality television star joined the site five years ago and discussed her involvement during Olivia Attwood's new ITV2 series, Getting Filthy Rich. She reportedly earns approximately £30,000 per month through the platform.
At the launch event for Olivia's new series, Lauren told The Mirror: 'It's actually not that bad - having only a few hundred fans on there, paying a higher price, I would rather that than thousands of people having access. Because it is only me showing my boobs.' She further explained her perspective by referencing her past magazine covers: 'I'm not being funny, but I've been on the front of magazine covers for the last 10 years. Like on Closer mag - I was naked, anyway! They all want me naked. So, what difference does it make? I might as well make money out of it!'
Personal Identity and Content Boundaries
Despite her involvement with OnlyFans, Lauren maintains that she remains 'the girl next door' and describes herself as 'quite a home girl.' She acknowledged that other content creators on the platform, such as Lily Phillips, can earn more money through more extreme photographs and videos. However, Lauren stated that she 'doesn't have the guts to do that,' indicating personal boundaries in the type of content she is willing to produce.
The juxtaposition of her teenage throwback photos with her current reflections creates a narrative of personal evolution, from the simpler times of her youth to the complexities of adult life in the public eye. Her candid discussions about cosmetic surgery regrets and her career choices on OnlyFans provide insight into the pressures and decisions faced by reality television personalities navigating fame and personal identity.
