Lauren Goodger was back in familiar TOWIE territory this week, stepping out in Loughton as filming continued for the show’s upcoming series.
The reality star joined several of her castmates at Aura Bar & Grill, where the group appeared to be shooting scenes for series 38 during the UK’s scorching heatwave.
Lauren kept the look summer-ready in a strapless top and shorts, pairing the outfit with a designer handbag and heels as she arrived for the cast catch-up.
The outing quickly became a full TOWIE style parade, with Amber Turner, Sophie Kasaei, Courtney Green, Elma Pazar, Saffron Lempriere and Becks Bloomberg also seen heading to filming.
Amber brought a bright pop of colour in a blue co-ord, while Sophie opted for a bold leopard-print look with dark jeans and heels. Courtney chose a white ruffle top and lace shorts, keeping cool as temperatures continued to climb.
Lauren Goodger turned heads as she strutted down Loughton high street in a plunging top and tiny lace-trimmed shorts
Also arriving for the girly catch-up were Amber Turner and Sophie Kasaei
For fans, the scenes offered another glimpse at the new series — and another reminder that Lauren’s return to the ITVBe favourite has become one of the most talked-about parts of the show’s current chapter.
Lauren later shared a short clip from the night on Instagram Stories, showing the group dancing together and writing that she loved being with the girls.
That light-hearted moment came during a week when much of the UK has been dealing with intense heat, with temperatures passing 30C in some areas and parts of south-east England seeing weeks of dry weather.
But beyond the summer outfits and glossy filming scenes, Lauren’s return carries a deeper emotional meaning for many viewers.
The TV personality has previously spoken about how coming back to TOWIE helped her find confidence again after an incredibly painful period in her personal life.
Lauren gave birth to her second daughter, Lorena, in July 2022. Tragically, Lorena passed away shortly after birth, a loss Lauren has continued to honour publicly with heartbreaking honesty.
The reality star, 39, headed to Aura Bar & Grill alongside a number of her girl pals from the TOWIE cast to film scenes for series 38
Sporting her signature bronzed tan, Lauren teamed the look with a white Hermes handbag and peep toe heels
Amber, 32, showed off her toned abs in a bright blue tweed co-ord which she complemented with a white Chanel handbag and Hermes heels
Amber showed plenty of cleavage in her fringed crop top
Courtney Green looked glam in a white ruffle top and white lace shorts
Saffron Lempriere opted for a red patterned co-ord and gold Chanel handbag
Elma Pazar had the same Chanel handbag as Saffron and caught the eye in a shimmery bright blue disc co-ord
Becks Bloomberg put on a busty display in a plunging black top and denim shorts
Lauren heartbreakingly marked her daughter Lorena’s ‘heavenly birthday’ in an Instagram post last week
Last week, Lauren marked what she described as Lorena’s heavenly birthday with a moving Instagram tribute, sharing how she and her eldest daughter Larose continue to remember her every year.
In the post, Lauren said Lorena will always be in her heart and explained that Larose helps celebrate in her own sweet way, with balloons, candles and cake.
She also thanked friends and followers for their support, saying their kind words meant more than she could express.
The message was filled with love, grief and resilience, as Lauren wrote that she trusts Lorena and Larose to keep guiding her with strength every day.
Lauren shares Larose with former partner Charles Drury. The pair split after the tragedy, but have continued to maintain a co-parenting relationship for their daughter.
Now, as Lauren steps back into TOWIE life, fans are seeing a woman rebuilding in public while still carrying a deeply personal story behind the scenes.
Her latest filming appearance brought the glamour expected from the Essex cast, but also reflected why her comeback has connected with so many viewers.
For some, it is about seeing one of TOWIE’s most recognisable faces back with the group. For others, it is about watching Lauren reclaim confidence after years that tested her in unimaginable ways.
With the new series on the way, the Loughton filming day suggests there will be plenty of friendship, fashion and familiar Essex energy ahead.
And for Lauren, every public step seems to be part of a bigger journey — one shaped by motherhood, loss, strength and the determination to keep moving forward.
