Former The Only Way Is Essex star Lauren Goodger is preparing to share her deeply personal journey of loss and grief in a poignant new memoir set for release this summer. The reality television personality, who rose to fame on the original cast of the hit ITVBe show, will open up about the devastating loss of her newborn daughter, Lorena, who died at just a few days old in July 2022.
A Mother's Unimaginable Heartbreak
Lauren Goodger's world was shattered when her baby girl, Lorena, passed away shortly after birth. The tragedy followed what had been a normal pregnancy, leaving the 39-year-old and her ex-partner, builder Charles Drury, completely devastated. Medical professionals believe that two knots in Lorena's umbilical cord may have restricted her oxygen supply, leading to the heartbreaking outcome.
In exclusive comments to The Mirror, Lauren reveals the profound emptiness she feels when remembering her youngest daughter. "My eldest, Larose, is the light of my life. She loves to be the centre of attention, just like me," she explains. "But my youngest, Lorena, is harder to picture. I never heard the sound of her laugh, or her cry."
Finding Strength Through Writing
The forthcoming book, titled Mum Of Two: Love, Loss and My Life, represents Lauren's attempt to create the resource she desperately needed during her darkest hours. "I am writing Mum Of Two, as when the unimaginable happened I couldn't find a book that helped me during the most difficult times, after losing my newborn baby," she confesses. "This is my story of loss and grief, and of finding my courage and strength."
Despite maintaining a confident public persona through various television appearances and a successful career on adult content platform OnlyFans, Lauren has endured what she describes as a "personal hell" away from the cameras. Her memoir promises to show the real woman behind the celebrity facade, exploring themes of motherhood, profound loss, and remarkable resilience.
Life Beyond the Cameras
Lauren Goodger first captured public attention as part of the original The Only Way Is Essex cast when the show premiered in 2010. She became a central figure during the first six seasons, most notably for her tumultuous on-off relationship with Mark Wright that spanned over a decade, including a brief engagement in 2011. Wright has since married actress Michelle Keegan, while Lauren has focused on rebuilding her life.
Following her TOWIE departure, Lauren appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, demonstrating her versatility as a television personality. However, it is her personal journey that now takes centre stage in her literary debut.
A Mother's Determination
Now living in a quiet cul-de-sac in Romford, Essex, with her four-year-old daughter Larose, Lauren emphasises the daily challenge of putting on a brave face while navigating overwhelming grief. "However much I have put on a brave face, it's been so hard," she admits. "I am a good mum to Larose, she's my world. I am strong for her, I have to carry on."
The tragedy of Lorena's death ultimately led to the permanent end of Lauren's relationship with Charles Drury, despite several previous reconciliations. Through it all, Lauren has discovered an inner fortitude she hopes will inspire others facing similar challenges.
"Despite the battles in my life that no one even knows about, I'm still standing," she declares. "I want to help others by sharing my experiences."
Mum Of Two: Love, Loss and My Life, published by Mirror Books, will be available from July 2nd, offering readers an intimate look at one mother's journey through unimaginable loss toward healing and hope.
