The TOWIE cast then vs now: From weight loss, addictions to lip filler and boob jobs, and leaving the reality TV world behind – we take a look at the transformations of the original cast

The final episode of the 34th season of TOWIE, aired as a 90-minute Christmas special, during the holiday season.

2024 saw a flurry of scandals, love intrigues, fresh relationships, and a lot of drama among the Essex celebrities. But, we wonder what life holds for the show’s initial cast members now?

Fans remain just as captivated as they follow the cast members not only hosting their own television programs but also participating in various reality TV projects, always intrigued by their dynamic transformations.

In 2021, Lauren Goodger made her comeback on the show for the first time since 2016. However, her appearance was noticeably changed compared to when she initially joined the show in 2010.

Furthermore, Lauren is certainly not alone among the stars of TOWIE who are fond of undergoing dramatic cosmetic enhancements or surgical procedures.

As eager fans anticipate season 35, let’s delve into the remarkable makeovers of The Only Way Is Essex cast members. We’ll trace their changing appearances, weight loss journeys, and fascination with cosmetic enhancements.

In this way, we keep the essence of the original sentence while making it more engaging and easier to understand for a wider audience.

James Argent 

From 2010 through 2018, James Argent was a cast member on the popular ITV reality series. More recently, he surprised everyone by performing at the holiday gathering that aired as a special during the winter season.

During the lockdown, the celebrity weighed in at an astonishing 27 stones. However, after making significant changes to his lifestyle and going through a gastric sleeve surgery, he shed almost 14 stones from his weight.

After initially losing weight, it emerged last year that Arg was actually focusing on putting on more weight, with his weight being around 13.5 stones at that time.

In a conversation with the Mail’s humor podcast Straight To The Comments, he openly shared: At my heaviest, I weighed approximately 27 stones (or 378 pounds). I was not pleased. Now, I weigh roughly 13.5 stones (about 191 pounds).

It seems like I may have been expressing my feelings and emotions by overeating, and then the lockdown and Covid-19 only made things worse.

He admitted that his physician informed him he was essentially awaiting execution (a metaphor for death) when he weighed the most. During this period, he found it challenging to even tie his own shoe laces and struggled to breathe comfortably.

As a die-hard admirer of the one and only Arg, I must confess that there was a time when even catching a glimpse of my own appendage was as elusive as spotting Arg in a crowd. But hey, I think I’m starting to make out its silhouette now!

Lauren Goodger

Last year, Lauren Goodger returned to the cast of TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex), having first gained popularity as an original cast member when the series started in 2010.

Over time, the actress, aged 38, has been on and off the show since her departure in 2012. This was after she left due to her breakup with long-term partner Mark Wright, who is now married and expecting his first child with Michelle Keegan.

The actress, aged 38, has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the show since she left in 2012 following her split from Mark Wright. Now, Mark is married to Michelle Keegan and they are expecting their first child together.

2016 saw a short-lived comeback by Lauren, but news broke out last year stating that she would be making a permanent return to the show, having determined that now was the perfect moment for her to re-emerge in the limelight.

The initial actor has consistently been open about the numerous modifications she’s had, having earlier acknowledged a nose job (rhinoplasty) in 2011 to repair a fractured nose sustained in an accident.

She also underwent a breast augmentation surgery, transforming her 34D chest size to 34E in 2013. 

2023 saw Lauren acknowledge that she underwent a Brazilian butt augmentation in 2017 and later decided she wanted to reverse this procedure.

The television host shared details about her trip to Turkey for a BBL, which she called the most difficult experience she’s ever had.

Lauren expressed her strong desire to regain a more natural-looking buttock shape, but she’s unsure of the best approach since there doesn’t seem to be a surgical method available for reversing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).

She stated: ‘I’m still unsure about the method I’ll use for that. It’s uncertain whether a process exists to undo a BBL. I’m exploring the possibility of liposuction, but I’m not certain if it’s an available option. I plan on consulting with numerous surgeons to explore my potential solutions.’

Simultaneously, the star isn’t unfamiliar with using lip fillers. Back in February 2023, just like Katie Price, she opted for the ‘butterfly effect’ filler method, proudly displaying her fresh, plumped-up lips.

At that moment, she shared that she had recently undergone a procedure for butterfly effect lip fillers by Lift Aesthetics. Currently, she has a bandage on, which is causing her speech to sound somewhat unusual.

I’m extremely bloated right now, but this incredible new method I’ve discovered is simply astounding! I can hardly contain my excitement to witness its outcomes.

Previously, she had been too fearful to proceed, but last year, she disclosed that she was now actively preparing for a breast reduction surgery, which she had been hesitant about before.

In an eye-catching, deep-v ivy green and white crossbody swimsuit, she shared with her Instagram followers that her anxieties have kept her from having surgeries and lesser procedures.

In simpler terms, she has experienced severe anxiety as a result of her past experiences. This anxiety has caused her to abstain from caffeine and alcohol, and it has also prevented her from going on vacation, undergoing surgeries or even minor treatments due to her high anxiety levels.

Today, I had a conversation with the remarkable Simon Smith, a surgeon. I’m considering taking action to have the breast implants removed.

I don’t require their presence, I merely need to complete this task. I’m petrified, yet I understand that it’s beneficial for my health in the long run and I no longer need them. I eagerly anticipate reclaiming my natural breasts.

Lucy Mecklenburgh 

Initially, Lucy made her appearance on the program portrayed both as Mark Wright’s potential romantic partner and a professional fashion buyer.

In 2010, when she made a big debut on TV screens, her romantic life became highly visible as she found herself in a public feud with her long-term partner Lauren, both competing for the affection of the same man.

Since departing from TOWIE, Lucy has discovered her own “happily ever after” following her encounter with Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas on Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls in 2017.

In June 2019, amidst much publicity about their relationship, Ryan proposed to Lucy on a beautiful vacation in the Amalfi Coast, with whispers of a split adding intrigue to the story.

The pair share son Roman who was born in March 2020. 

In 2019, I, Lucy, maintained my stance that I’ve never opted for cosmetic surgeries to enhance my looks, even when generous offers for complimentary procedures were extended to me. My transformation, you see, is the result of embracing a healthier lifestyle and self-love, rather than any surgical interventions.

During a challenging and sorrowful phase of her life, she confessed that she sought advice from a surgeon located on Harley Street for a facial treatment aimed at slimming her features.

She shared with her Instagram audience that some time back, she visited a surgeon at Harley Street seeking to have her face slimmed down in order to emphasize her cheekbones more prominently.

I displayed an old picture where I had significantly lost weight due to stress and anxiety, and asked if it was possible for him to restore my appearance in the photo to how it looked then.

He mentioned that he could do it, but he won’t because he believes you don’t require any cosmetic work on your face. He thinks you look slimmer in the past, but now your face seems a bit fuller and healthier, giving you a more youthful appearance.

Speaking about her gratitude towards the surgeon, Lucy expressed: ‘I am incredibly grateful that the procedure wasn’t performed. In retrospect, I was deeply unhappy, struggling with low self-esteem, and feeling largely numb throughout each day, bordering on depression.’

I’m clearly not mentally prepared to make a significant, lasting decision about altering my looks.

Sam and Billie Faiers 

The Faiers sisters have consistently maintained a rebellious attitude towards their evolving appearances, even though they’ve undergone remarkable makeovers since their days on TOWIE.

On The Mummy Diaries in 2019, they openly stated that neither of them has ever used Botox treatments, yet acknowledged that changes in their appearances might be noticeable following their time on the show.

In conversation about Botox, Billie disclosed that her makeup artist asserted certain models get the treatment to elevate their eyebrows.

Despite her firm assertion, she made clear that she didn’t desire the procedure to be performed; instead, she opted for facial treatments. Adding to this, Sam mentioned, “We’ve never resorted to Botox, we’ve always taken care of our skin instead.

Later on, she added, “It seems as though when you’re a celebrity, there’s an assumption that you’ve had plastic surgery.

Sam subsequently disclosed that some individuals conjecture she has undergone eye surgery and filler injections, yet she emphatically stated, “I can assure you, I have absolutely never used Botox.

In reference to her time on TOWIE, she remarked, “It’s been a decade since I made my television debut… there’s a noticeable difference between being 18 and 28. Nobody remains exactly the same!

Following their departure from TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) in 2014, this duo moved on to feature in a separate reality TV program titled “The Mummy Diaries.” This show documented their lives as they navigated their marital journeys and experiences of motherhood.

In 2021, Sam chose to exit the show because she had planned to do so once her kids began attending school.

After a ten-year run on television, the star opted in November to conclude the production of “Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries,” marking the end of the series.

After nearly a decade of filming for The Mummy Diaries and Family Diaries Official, we’re thrilled to confirm that this exciting chapter in our lives has concluded.

Oh boy, what an incredible ride this has been! Watching us grow from new parents, nurturing our little ones, experiencing the rollercoaster of parenthood – the joyous highs, the challenging lows, the tears, tantrums, and everything in between. There were moments of pure bliss, times filled with laughter, and others that tested our resilience. We’ve had our share of hen and stag parties, built a home together, and, of course, exchanged vows on our special day. What an unforgettable journey it has been!

It’s such a pleasure for us to have preserved these precious moments and be able to share them with everyone!

Mark Wright

When Mark made his way on to screens, he was a club promoter and semi-professional footballer. 

In the early seasons of TOWIE, the reality star was known for his flirtatious behavior, often appearing to divide his attention among his long-term partner Lauren Goodger, Sam Faiers, and Lucy Mecklenburgh.

In a surprising turn of events, Mark proposed to Lauren in a parking lot of a pub, which led to Nicola, Lauren’s sister, reacting with her memorable response: “Are you pulling my leg?

Following his proposal to Lauren, their relationship sadly ended in heartache as he betrayed her by being unfaithful with Lucy just before departing from the series permanently.

After departing from the show, Mark eventually discovered love when he tied the knot with Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan in a picturesque ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Bury St Edmunds in 2015.

Previously, he expressed heartfelt feelings to Michelle saying, “You make me incredibly happy and I feel so proud of you. You fill a void in my life.

This year, the couple revealed that they’re welcoming their first child into their family, sharing a delightful announcement on Instagram last Sunday.

On a beach, the actress placed her hand on her baby bump while writing: “The year 2025 promises something unique for us…

Amy Childs 

At a young age of 18, Amy Childs flaunted her newly augmented chest with pride as she made her entrance on the show, following plastic surgery.

33-year-old celebrity known for reality TV shows, has undergone multiple cosmetic procedures including breast augmentation, botox injections, lip enhancements, liposuction, and dental veneers. These alterations have significantly changed her appearance throughout the years.

Yet, Amy, who currently cares for Polly (age 5), Ritchie (4), and the 12-month-old twins Billy and Amelia, has chosen to forego plastic surgery following her acknowledgment that she appeared “monstrous.

2022 saw me sharing with The Sun that I’ve stayed away from cosmetic surgeries for quite some time. Being a mother has indeed reshaped my perspective on appearances – it’s not just about me anymore, but about embracing the changes that come with motherhood.

Previously, on TOWIE, you found yourself becoming excessively preoccupied with your appearance. However, as I turn 32 this year, my perspective has undergone a significant shift.

Currently, I’m feeling incredibly content within myself. My body is no longer a size 8 as it once was, but I’ve been blessed with two beautiful children, and their presence is more than enough to make me joyful, so I’m truly content with who I am now.

During her teenage years, Amy increased her breast size by three cups, transitioning from an A-cup to a D-cup. At the age of 23, she underwent another breast augmentation surgery, resulting in a 30EE cup size.

Back in May 2019, a woman with two children had to endure an eight-hour surgery due to discomfort in her chest, which was caused by a rupture in her left implant. A month afterward, medical professionals found a growth in her breast tissue, stemming from leakage.

After spending a week in the hospital, the star has reduced the size of her breast implants from extra-extra large to medium.

Ferne McCann 

As a former reality television personality who graced our screens regularly on TOWIE starting from 2013, I openly embraced my journey post-show, which included undergoing various cosmetic procedures.

2016 saw Ferne openly disclose that she underwent a rhinoplasty procedure. She showcased the outcome during her appearance on This Morning following the surgery.

I opened up, sharing my personal story with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford as guests on their show. I talked about the life path I’ve walked and the motivations behind the transformative decisions I’ve made along the way.

In an open and candid discussion, Ferne shared the factors that influenced her decision, which stemmed from a longstanding insecurity and repeated instances of online bullying. She explained, ‘I sought a small modification rather than a drastic change. My nose was a source of teasing at school, and I felt it was becoming too prominent on my face.’

Initially, it appears quite familiar as it did previously, suggesting little adjustment is required. However, upon a side view, it shows noticeable differences.

At times, I get quite emotional, and Fern confessed, “Though I might appear self-assured and boisterous, the truth is, deep down, these situations truly unsettle me.

The television personality likewise shared that she’s experienced feelings of insecurity since she was 12 years old, long before she entered the public eye.

She mentioned that her nicknames originated during her time at high school. Some boys began referring to her as ‘goose’, which sparked something within her. Later, Twitter bullies made the situation even worse by mocking her further.

Instead, let me rephrase that for you: Last year, Ferne decided to reverse her lip fillers by having them dissolved, and since then, she has openly expressed her remorse about undergoing the cosmetic treatment.

Hello everyone! Today, I’m thrilled to unveil a significant change in my appearance that I believe you’ll find intriguing. I wanted to share an intimate aspect of my personal journey – my lip transformation.

In the past, I chose lip augmentation without proper research, which led me to an undesirable outcome. Unfortunately, I sought help from the wrong professionals and ended up facing a lot of criticism about my lips online.

She went on to say: ‘Despite my tough exterior from years in the public spotlight, it still managed to affect me deeply. My perspective towards things changed.’

Given that I have daughters, and wishing to serve as a positive influence for them, and considering how I’d feel if they had lips like these, it significantly altered my point of view.

She commented: ‘Deep inside, I felt they appeared absurd. There were tiny bumps where the injectable substance shifted, and the overall form was incorrect.’

Harry Derbridge

Harry, aged 30, initially encountered the series through his cousin Amy Childs, making him the first openly gay cast member on TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex).

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but share that despite the rumors swirling about cosmetic enhancements, in 2020, Harry boldly addressed his critics who commented on his weight gain. He openly revealed his triumph over a devastating eating disorder, showcasing his courage and resilience for all to see.

2020 marked the 10th anniversary celebration of TOWIE, during which Harry made a comeback. However, due to rumors about his appearance change, he felt compelled to clarify on Twitter that he didn’t get Botox treatments; instead, he admitted to having some lip augmentation.

He wrote: ‘To set the record straight… I won’t repeat myself, but let me clarify that I haven’t used any fillers or Botox on my face. The only enhancement I’ve had is a minimal amount of lip filler… So, let’s stop drawing comparisons between 16-year-old Harry and 26-year-old Harry. It amuses me instead…’

In response to the statement “I’ve piled on the pounds,” the truth is indeed yes, I have gained weight. However, this was due to a challenging period of struggling with an eating disorder in my past. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to overcoming it and today, I genuinely believe that I look better than ever.

2017 saw Harry pen a heartfelt message detailing the physical changes he’s experienced, disclosing that at some stage, he tipped the scales at only 42 pounds (equivalent to 7 stones).

Harry detailed in a lengthy explanation that his battle with an eating disorder was tough, but he isn’t the muscular show-off Pete anymore. However, at this point in his life, he has never felt or looked better about himself.

At age 16, I weighed just 7 stones (approximately 98 lbs) and was in poor health. I could easily fast for an entire day, and I even struggled with a deep-seated fear of food, which is often referred to as ‘food phobia’.

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2025-01-05 18:20