The cast of TOWIE always seems to be living a glamorous life on our TV screen.
The popular reality show, which began in 2010, chronicles the lives of friends in Essex, showcasing their glamorous world of parties, cosmetic procedures, and luxury cars.
But strip back the spray tans, drama and glam, and a different story begins to emerge.
Life after the show hasn’t been easy for many of the stars of TOWIE, and things haven’t always gone as smoothly as they appeared on television.
Many people are finding their careers have hit a standstill and their income has decreased, all while still feeling the need to maintain a certain lifestyle that their finances can no longer support.
Here, the Daily Mail looks at the stars who have faced money struggles.
Joey Essex
In 2025, reports surfaced that Joey Essex was under investigation following the bankruptcy of his company, which had debts of £1.2 million.
I was really shocked to hear that Joey Essex’s company, Joey Essex Management Ltd, had to close down in September. Apparently, it was struggling with a lot of debt, and it seems like unpaid taxes were the main reason. It’s a shame to see it happen, but it sounds like things just became financially unsustainable.
Even though Joey has made a lot of money from being on popular reality TV shows such as I’m A Celebrity, Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Masterchef, and SAS: Who Dares Wins, this still happened.
New documents filed with Companies House show that accountants will be investigating the company’s director, as reported by The Mirror.
The report states that, following the company’s entry into liquidation, the liquidators are now responsible for investigating its finances – both what it owns and what it owes – and for finding any way to recover money for the liquidation process.
We also need to evaluate the director’s actions and confidentially report our findings to the Insolvency Service, as required by the Company Directors Disqualification Act.
Joey is the company’s only director and shareholder.
His business owes a total of £417,245, including £30,449 in VAT, £9,552 in income tax and National Insurance contributions (PAYE), a significant £402,302 in corporation tax, £15,000 to suppliers and other expenses, and a £39,942 loan received during the Covid pandemic.
In total, the debt to creditors stood at £497,246.
Joey also had an overdrawn director’s loan account, with a balance of £780,000. Liquidators aren’t sure if they’ll be able to recover any of that money.
This brought the total debt to £1,277,246.
The new report added that £350,000 of the cash has now been repaid.
Yet Joey could be in trouble with Companies House for apparently providing inaccurate information.
Last August, he attempted to close the company himself and officially stated that it had enough assets to cover its debts.
He formally promised in writing to repay the full amount owed, including interest, within a year. It’s a crime to falsely state that a company can pay its debts, and doing so can result in large fines or even jail time.
The Daily Mail contacted a representative for Joey for comment.
Chloe Brockett
Despite the popular belief that reality TV stars earn a lot of money, Towie’s Chloe Brockett has said she once earned only the minimum wage.
Despite fans thinking that the cast are rich, she admitted that the salaries are often low.
In an interview with The Sun last year, she revealed she earned just £22,000 annually for 22 weeks of filming, and was subjected to abuse while working at minimum wage.
‘I had bills to pay, rent to sort, I’d got a Porsche to fit in with the Towie image.’
Facing financial difficulties, like many reality TV personalities, Chloe started an OnlyFans account to supplement her income.
‘Of course it wasn’t my goal. Who sits in school and goes, “I know, I want to do OnlyFans”. I looked down on it,’ she told the publication.
Jack Fincham
Just recently, Jack Fincham shared that he experienced homelessness after a disagreement with his family, following his time in rehab.
The 34-year-old reality star was on the show TOWIE in 2021 to talk to his former girlfriend, Frankie Sims, after they split up.
I was so worried to hear that Jack needed to go back to rehab earlier this year. Apparently, he had a really tough relapse – he started drinking and using drugs again, and it was a seriously dangerous situation. He’s admitted it was a selfish thing to put himself, and everyone who cares about him, through, and it almost cost him everything.
The celebrity, who spent £32,000 on treatment at a facility in Merseyside, recently shared on Instagram about the difficulties he’s facing after leaving rehab. He also revealed family criticism has led to him currently living in a hotel with his dog.
He explained that his time living in Liverpool didn’t go as planned because his housemate situation wasn’t a good fit. He also felt disappointed that he didn’t receive the support he expected from friends and family.
‘Listen I’m a 34-year-old man, you can’t rely on your family all the time.
I learned something valuable in rehab: recovery isn’t about a grand welcome when you leave. It’s about doing the things you should have been doing all along.
Jack shared that he’s nearly broke and currently doesn’t have a place to live. He’s trying to decide what his next steps are, feeling like things can’t possibly get more difficult.
The TV personality explained that she’s currently at a hotel with her dog, taking some time to relax and figure out her next steps, including where she wants to live.
‘Got my beautiful dog Elvis, without him I probably wouldn’t even be here to be honest.’
Jack admitted that returning home after rehab was frightening, but he expressed gratitude to the staff for their exceptional kindness, which he said felt unusual because he hadn’t experienced that level of support in some time.
The TV personality is committed to rebuilding his career. He plans to start fresh and return to acting.
Jack admitted things have been difficult, and he’s essentially starting over. Despite that, he remains optimistic and believes things are bound to improve from here.
I plan to return to acting and start working in television again. I’m going to follow through on all my previous commitments.
Lauren Goodger
In 2024, Lauren Goodger openly discussed her money problems, a stark contrast to her earlier career when she could earn £25,000 from a single magazine photoshoot during her time on TOWIE.
The 39-year-old reality star says she’s embracing a simple life, living in a typical family home with her three-year-old daughter, Larose, who she shares with her former partner, Charles Drury.
Lauren experienced the heartbreaking loss of her daughter in 2022, and afterwards, found she had no motivation for work. She explained, ‘All I wanted was to be a mother.’
Okay, so she finally admitted it! My queen is hustling, seriously! She’s been making money on OnlyFans – like, posting gorgeous pictures of herself, and you can get access for just $50 a month. Honestly, good for her! It’s amazing she’s so open about how she makes a living, and honestly, it’s totally empowering. I signed up immediately, of course!
In a recent interview with the Guardian, she admitted she’d prefer not to rely on the adult website.
She explained that while she doesn’t want to create content for OnlyFans, she feels she needs to because earnings in her field have decreased significantly.
Reflecting on the peak of her career, she admitted she made a lot of money, but also experienced significant losses. She said this experience definitely taught her humility.
Lauren created her own fake-tan company, Lauren’s Way, at age 23. It became popular enough to be sold in stores like Superdrug and Debenhams, but she’s now having issues with her business partner.
Right before the first episode of Towie, the producers told Lauren she needed to quit her jobs because she was about to become well-known.
She remembers the beginning of her reality TV days as a good time. ‘It was exciting to be photographed by the paparazzi and even get a regular column in the Sun newspaper,’ she says. I comment that it sounds ideal, and she laughs, replying, ‘It really was… at first.’
I asked Lauren if she liked being famous, and she didn’t hesitate. “No,” she said, shaking her head. She wonders if she’d made a mistake going on the show. “I don’t want to seem ungrateful—I am thankful for the opportunity,” she explained, “but it’s been tough, and everyone can see that.” She admits she wishes she could go back and handle things differently.
Lauren is currently facing a legal dispute with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding improperly shared financial advertisements. Due to legal restrictions, she is unable to discuss the details of the case.
Social media personalities, including Lauren, have stated they did not endorse a risky investment plan to their millions of followers.
Lauren and others reportedly received payments for advertising the scheme to their 4.5 million Instagram followers.
Rebecca Gormley (26), Biggs Chris (32), Eva Zapico (25), all former stars of Love Island, and Yazmin Oukhellou (30) from TOWIE are also facing charges from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Social media influencers and reality TV personalities reportedly advertised @holly-fxtrends, but they all claim they didn’t approve the financial promotions that were shared.
But whatever the outcome, nothing will be decided until 2027 – when trial dates have been set.
Tommy Mallet
Tommy Mallet, a cast member on TOWIE for seven years starting in 2014, recently shared that he lost £30 million and accumulated £3 million in debt.
The reality star, 33, and his former business partner Evren Ozka, set up Mallet London in 2015.
The two previously co-owned a training company, and the celebrity even made Forbes’s list of successful entrepreneurs under age 30.
In 2024, Tommy experienced significant financial difficulties after ending his business partnership and facing a lawsuit from his former partner.
The dad of two saw his bank balance plummet following his legal issues.
In an interview on the Graft Kings Podcast earlier this year, he shared a surprising revelation: he’s experienced a huge range of financial situations, from having a net worth of £10 million, £20 million, and £30 million, to having absolutely nothing.
‘So this time last year I was worth zero, I was £3million in debt, probably more.
‘Today if you ask me, and in the near future, I’m a billionaire.
‘Don’t ask me anything else, because I can see where I am going.
‘I put it out there and I am going to get it’.
He then promised the podcast gang his success wouldn’t be far away.
In 2024, he opened up about going through a ‘really tough time’ with his business.
In a recent Instagram post, he said he wanted to address something because he’s focusing on spreading positivity.
Things have been incredibly difficult for me lately. I’m caught up in a legal battle over a business I helped create and still have a stake in – we’ve been in and out of court trying to resolve it. It’s been a really stressful time, to say the least.
My decision to step down as a director stemmed from a difficult and unhealthy relationship, and the impact it had on my mental well-being. This situation has now led to further developments.
Tommy, who is married to his former colleague Georgia Kousoulou, expressed concern about protecting his children’s financial future by moving funds from his company.
He explained that he’s invested everything he has – his personal savings, his children’s future funds, and is also expecting a baby with his wife. He’s facing a really tough situation and has been struggling with it for quite a while.
‘It’s not like I ain’t going to get it back. I’ll get this back faster than you’ve ever seen.
As your child gets older and expenses increase, you unfortunately encounter people who try to take advantage and get things without paying.
This is likely going to be an unnecessary and unpleasant clash of personalities. I refuse to participate in it.
The singer, known for ‘Baby Steps,’ ended his message by promising he would eventually recover his funds and continue to speak out about the issue using his public voice and influence.
Just letting everyone know what’s going on, a lot of people have been asking – I’m currently working to recover some funds that are tied up.
I understand I might face legal challenges, but they absolutely can’t silence me. I’m determined to share my story and I believe I have every right to speak out about what’s happening to me.
Dan Osborne
In 2020, Dan Osborne revealed that the pandemic had caused him significant financial difficulties, and he isn’t as wealthy as some people assume.
The reality TV star used Instagram to explain and justify the ads he’s been promoting, which include fake AirPods and Apple Watches.
The reality TV star recently shared with his Instagram followers that he’s been struggling financially. This came just months after reports showed his business had less than £1,000 and his entertainment company was over £7,000 in debt.
Similar to many social media personalities, Dan frequently showcases products, often including headphones and watches that resemble Apple’s designs.
After showcasing the tech products, the celebrity – who became well-known on the ITVBe show in 2013 – explained why he chose to promote them and shared personal difficulties, including having to close his tattoo shop.
He addressed his critics, saying many people have commented on his recent advertising campaigns for iWatches, AirPods, and sunglasses. He expressed his pleasure that so many customers are enjoying the products.
Dan shared that a lot of his audience enjoys seeing posts about his family, LEGOs, and fitness journey, but they feel there are too many advertisements.
He continued, explaining the situation further. He said he understood if people weren’t interested – just like with ads, you can simply skip them if they don’t appeal to you.
I only promote products I genuinely believe in and know customers will enjoy, because like everyone else, I have a family to support and bills to pay.
Things have been really tough lately, and it’s affected everyone, including me. My tattoo shop has been closed for months, and I’m dealing with a lot of personal challenges right now too. People often mistakenly think that appearing on TV means you’re wealthy…
‘No! I have to make a living as well.’
Last year, financial records filed with Companies House showed that Dan’s struggling business had only £978 left in its account as of the end of August.
The company’s financial statement revealed £7,469 in debts. Dan is the sole director of the entertainment company.
Dan’s earlier company, Charlie Entertainments, closed in 2017 after facing financial difficulties and accumulating debts that weren’t publicly revealed, according to The Sun.
Pete Wicks
Similar to other stars from reality TV shows, Pete Wicks from TOWIE started his own business after becoming known on television.
He set up PW Promotions just weeks after his final appearance on the long-running ITV show.
After he completed the necessary paperwork in January 2023, it came to light that his company was £100,000 in debt. This included £7,477 in unpaid VAT, £66,702 in corporation tax, and £26,500 owed to Lloyds Bank.
The business was set up in 2015 to manage his income and marks one of three businesses he owns.
He started Unkempt in 2021 and TCDOR in November 2020, but both businesses are currently inactive. He also previously tried Hermano Clothing and Pirate Pete’s Tattoo, neither of which ever actually operated.
Representatives for Pete Wicks were contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.
Frankie Essex
In 2018, Frankie Essex reportedly tried to leave Nobu, a fancy restaurant, without paying her bill.
Apparently, the venue’s staff wouldn’t return the former Towie star’s phone – they’d charged it for her at the bar – until she paid her bill.
According to an eyewitness who spoke with The Sun, the woman went to the restroom and returned to find some of her group had left without paying their share of the bill, which included several beers and lychee martinis.
Frankie also attempted to leave without paying, but staff quickly intervened and asked her to pay the bill.
She didn’t want to spend her own money, so she asked another friend to collect some from the people who had already left.
A spokesperson for Frankie confirmed that Frankie and her friends fully paid their bill at Nobu, and there was never any disagreement about it.
Dan Edgar
Dan Edgar first found fame on Towie after working as an electrician.
While appearing on the show, he was rumored to have been romantically involved with several women, including his co-stars Jessica Wright and Lauren Pope. Following this, he shifted his focus and started his own investment company.
Shortly after starting his company in 2017, reports surfaced that his investment plan had defrauded customers of £450,000.
Customers were sold imitation diamonds, and in some cases, the diamonds didn’t even exist. As a result, Edgar agreed not to be involved in promoting, running, or directing any company until 2031.
Records show that Reco Commodities significantly increased the price of the diamonds – by hundreds of percent – making them a poor investment.
The company was discovered to have made several untrue statements and didn’t deliver diamonds after receiving payment from customers.
New salespeople were also said to be using pushy methods to get investors to pay for the company’s services.
An investigation revealed that out of all of Reco Commodities’ customers, only one person actually received the diamonds they paid for.
Reco Commodities stated they handled more than 2,000 clients, but actually had fewer than 30.
The Daily Mail contacted Dan’s team for comment.
Lucy Mecklenburgh
Back in 2020, Lucy Mecklenburgh quit her clothing business following financial losses.
The former star of The Only Way Is Essex stepped down as director of Lucy’s Boutique on January 4th, following reports that the business had accumulated nearly £270,000 in debt two months prior.
Recent financial difficulties plagued Lucy’s Boutique, with their bank account holding just £673 in October, according to The Sun.
According to a source who spoke with the Daily Mail, Lucy sold the company a few months ago. The sale was completed without any outstanding debts, and she continues to work with the brand as a consultant.
She runs a very successful fitness business that demands a lot of her time – she frequently works 13-hour days and is incredibly dedicated to it.
Since she’s expecting a baby soon, she’s decided to lessen her work responsibilities by selling one of her businesses.
Lucy’s Boutique is doing well and will remain open. Lucy will continue to offer her expertise as a consultant for the brand, and her family will continue to be involved in the business.
Lucy started her business in 2012 and used Instagram to showcase her clothing line until December.
The reality star once owned a Lucy’s Boutique in Brentwood, Essex, but the store closed in 2018.
Since then, customers have been able to purchase Lucy’s products only online.
Company records show that Lucy left the company in January and Robert Finnerty is now the only director.
The company sells a variety of clothing, including dressers, coats and a range of lingerie.
Lucy’s Boutique has become a well-known name in the fashion world. The business was founded in 2011.
We’re proud of our accomplishments and are focused on growing and improving, especially by expanding our online presence.
The Daily Mail contacted representatives for Lucy for comment.
Olivia Attwood
Since becoming well-known on Love Island and later appearing on TOWIE, Olivia Attwood has tried her hand at various different projects and businesses.
One particular venture was her failed luxury clothing brand We Are Foolish.
The product didn’t resonate with shoppers, struggled with significant shipping issues, and was discontinued after only three months.
I was really disappointed when things started to go wrong with the operation. Attwood tried to fix it fast by moving everything to a new warehouse, but sadly, the label shut down just two weeks after that. To make matters worse, they had to give everyone their money back – it was a tough time for everyone involved.
Olivia recently shared with The Sun that she was very pleased with the work, explaining that it focused on enduring, classic style rather than fleeting trends.
‘I would never put my name to something unless it was fully right.’
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