A resurfaced clip from The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) has sent shockwaves through the show's fanbase, with viewers branding former star Mark Wright "cruel" and "nasty" for his treatment of ex-girlfriend Lauren Goodger.
The Viral Clip That Has Reignited Outrage
The footage, which originally aired during a Christmas special and has recently gone viral on TikTok, captures one of the most contentious moments in the show's history. It features the pair at a festive party following their 2012 breakup, with Lauren still clearly holding a torch for Mark.
Adding context to the scene, the TikTok user who shared the clip revealed that Mark had just ended a fling with co-star Lucy Mecklenburgh and was, unbeknownst to Lauren, flirting with Sam Faiers outside the venue.
A Brutal Exchange and a Heartbreaking Exit
The interaction begins with Mark asking Lauren what her dream Christmas gift would be. Fighting back tears, she admits it would be a trip to New York with him. Mark, looking smug, swiftly dashes her hopes, stating he cannot see a future for them.
When a hurt Lauren asks, "If you had to choose anyone in your life who would it be?" Mark initially says it would be her, before delivering a crushing blow. He coldly adds that this is only because she is "the easiest option." He confesses he still loves her but needs time to think, before abruptly leaving her alone and in tears at the bar.
The drama escalates moments later. Mark is seen outside the party, telling James 'Arg' Argent on the phone that "the girls are all driving me mad." He then gets into a waiting taxi, where Sam Faiers is seated. The pair hold hands, share a kiss, and Mark wishes a "Merry Christmas" to the camera. The scene cuts back to a devastated Lauren, wiping away tears, completely unaware. As the clip ends, Mark stares directly down the lens and delivers a brutal wink.
Fan Reaction and Where They Are Now
Viewers have flooded social media with condemnation, labelling it one of the most heartbreaking scenes in TOWIE's history. Comments have ranged from calling Mark's behaviour "evil" to praising Lauren for being "too good for him." Many expressed shock at how he could treat someone so poorly, with one fan writing, "He really treated Lauren like s*** though."
The resurfaced clip serves as a stark contrast to Mark Wright's current life. He is now happily married to actress Michelle Keegan, with whom he shares a child, having left his TOWIE days behind. Lauren Goodger has also moved on from the show and their turbulent relationship.
This viral moment is a potent reminder of the dramatic, and often painfully real, relationships that fuelled the early seasons of the iconic ITV reality series, proving that some scenes never truly fade from public memory.
