Step back in time to remember where it all began for some of our faves from The Only Way Is Essex
WORDS: GEMMA MC CARTNEY, ALICE PENWILL PHOTOS: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY
AMY CHILDS
Amy, 33, the famous redhead from the show, returned to the series in recent years. The now-brunette mum-of-four, who is engaged to Billy Delbosq, originally coined some of the show’s biggest catchphrases, and was famous for her saying “well jel” and for referring to everyone she knows as “honey”.
LAUREN GOODGER
Lauren, 37, was one of the biggest names in the first series,with the drama revolving around her relationship with her now ex, Mark Wright. She has had two children, although daughter Lorena sadly died soon after birth.
Lauren has now rejoined TOWIE.
MARK WRIGHT
Possibly the most famous star to come out of TOWIE is former heartbreaker Mark, 37. The reality star has since become a model, DJ and TV presenter. In 2012, Mark ditched his bad boy ways when he met actress Michelle Keegan, and in 2015, the pair married at St Mary’s Church in Bury St Edmunds.
LUCY MECKLENBURGH
Glamorous Lucy is well-known to OG fans for being in a love triangle with ex Mark Wright and his then-girlfriend Lauren Goodger. She also famously got engaged to former flame Mario Falcone on the show.
These days, the 32-year-old is happily settled with actor Ryan Thomas, with whom she has two children.
JOEY ESSEX
With his golden tan and pearly whites, Joey was the cheeky chappy of the show. His engagement to ex Sam Faiers took place on screen but Joey, 33, is now single, and splits his time between LA, Dubai and the UK. He’s carving out a career in boxing and made it to the final of Dancing On Icelast year.
SAM FAIERS
Sam, 33, was a regular on TOWIE from the first episode up to series 11, and was joined by her older sister Billie from series two. While mum-of-three Sam quit the show 10 years ago, she doesn’t look very different now to her days on the Essex reality show, apart from ditching her blonde locks for brunette.
JESS WRIGHT
Mark Wright’s sister Jess was a TOWIE staple for five years, her relationship with Ricky Rayment providing much of the drama. Now 38, Jess lives quietly with her husband William Lee-Kemp and their son Presley, almost two.
LAUREN POPE
Lauren, 41, was instrumental in putting TOWIE on the map back in 201
