Jump directly to the content
Exclusive
GOODBYE ESSEX

Lauren Pope tells Towie bosses she’s NEVER returning to show for 10 year reunion with original cast

LAUREN Pope told The Only Way Is Essex bosses she's never returning to the show for the 10 year reunion with the original cast.

ITV bosses are reuniting the original cast, including Mark Wright, Amy Childs Jessica Wright, Kirk Norcross, Lauren Goodger and Sam Faiers for a special episode ten years after the first series in 2010.

 Lauren Pope has decided not to appear in the Towie reunion
6
Lauren Pope has decided not to appear in the Towie reunionCredit: ITV

But while all the others are in talks to appear, Lauren Pope is the first to outright rule out a return.

A source close Lauren told The Sun: "She's concentrating on her influencing career and her company.

"She wants to spend more time with her boyfriend, and as he's not going to appear on the show, it would be weird for her to go back.

"Towie isn't really part of her life, so even though she loved appearing on the show, it's in the past now.

"She doesn't really keep in contact with anyone apart from Chloe Sims now."

 She was on the original series
6
She was on the original seriesCredit: ITV
 Lauren now wants to focus on her hair extension business
6
Lauren now wants to focus on her hair extension businessCredit: Lime Pictures
Cast member Georgia​ Kousoulou​ sends her love to Lauren Pope after hearing the news that she's quit Towie after nine years to spend more time with new millionaire boyfriend

Towie bosses and Lauren's reps have been contacted for comment

During the show, Lauren formed a close bond with Chloe Sims, Diags and Dan Edgar – who she also dated – and romanced Sam Mucklow, Kirk Norcross, Jon Clark and Lewis Bloor.

However, she decided to leave the show in 2019 after falling head over heels in love with millionaire boyfriend Tony Keterman.

The Sun Online revealed the businessman starting dating Lauren - who runs award-winning hair extension business Hair Rehab - after sliding into his DMs.

 Lauren with new boyfriend Tony Keterman
6
Lauren with new boyfriend Tony KetermanCredit: Instagram
 Lauren previously dated Dan Edgar
6
Lauren previously dated Dan EdgarCredit: Social Media - Refer to source

Lauren told us at the time: "After an amazing nine years on The Only Way Is Essex I have decided that now is the natural time for me to leave.

"I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities that the show has brought my way and have loved being part of the cast.

"On top of that, Lime [Pictures, who make the show] have become an extended family to me and I’ll be forever grateful for their guidance and support over the years.

"Nonetheless, I feel now is the time for me to move on so I can focus my attention wholeheartedly on my business ventures and personal relationship."

 Lauren left the show in 2019
6
Lauren left the show in 2019Credit: ITV

Series original Amy Childs originally confirmed to the ten year special in July last year.

She told us: "You know what, there is something in the pipeline. I heard there's going to be a 10 year anniversary. I'm pretty sure there will be.

"The first two series of Towie were unbelievable because it really blew up. People loved it. We were ourselves.

"Now 10 years on, we are all so different. People would love to see us 10 years on. Harry is the head of Nars at Harrods now - he's an amazing make-up artist. He's doing so well."

Topics