'I want a rich man, a big house and babies!

Former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger chats to new about rumours, romance and retiring from the spotlight

- Julie-Ann Trainor

Lauren Goodger might be loving every moment of motherhood, but as the star’s fans will know, life hasn’t come without its challenges.

Just weeks after welcoming daughter Larose with her now ex-boyfriend Charles Drury, Lauren fell pregnant with their second child. Tragically, she lost her daughter Lorena in July 2022 shortly after birth.

Then, just weeks later, Charles was charged with assaulting Lauren on the day of their baby’s funeral. Charles pleaded not guilty in July this year. The case was then adjourned ahead of a further pre-trial hearing in February 2024 and a trial starting in March.

Despite their bitter split, Lauren and Charles have continued to co-parent for the sake of two-year-old Larose. While rumours have swirled that the pair are back on after they were recently spotted together, Lauren insists they’re just “good friends”. However, she hasn’t ruled out a romantic reconciliation with Charles, 26, in the future – admitting that she’ll “always love him”.

For now, Lauren is focusing on being a mum to Larose, which she describes as the “most amazing and rewarding” job in the world. “I feel alive,” she says. “I don’t care about anything else.”

As we catch up with her at Magic Mike Live’s fifth anniversary in London, Lauren is enjoying a rare child-free night out – but it’s clear she’s missing her little girl.

“This is the first time I’ve been out or had a drink in six months,” she tells us. “I cannot wait to get home to Larose!”

Here, Lauren, 37, also opens up about dating apps, her dreams to have more children and her return to The Only Way Is Essex…