The cast of TOWIE has long been portrayed as living a glamorous life on screen, but behind the scenes, many have faced significant financial difficulties. Since the show's debut in 2010, it has followed a group of friends in Essex, showcasing VIP parties, cosmetic enhancements, and luxury cars. However, for some of the biggest names, reality after the cameras stop rolling has been far less polished. Careers have stalled, income streams have dried up, and the pressure to maintain appearances has often clashed with their bank balances. Here, we examine the stars who have encountered money troubles.
Joey Essex
In 2025, Joey Essex was reportedly under investigation after his personal firm went bust owing £1.2 million. His company, Joey Essex Management Ltd, was forced into liquidation in September due to an inability to pay its substantial debts, primarily owed to the taxman. This occurred despite his earnings from major reality shows such as I'm A Celebrity, Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Masterchef, and SAS: Who Dares Wins. According to The Mirror, accountants were set to investigate the company director, as per new documents filed with Companies House. The documents stated that the liquidators would inquire into the company's affairs to determine its property and liabilities and identify any actions to recover funds. They also needed to consider the director's conduct and make a confidential submission to the Insolvency Service under the Company Directors Disqualification Act. Joey is the sole director and shareholder. The debts included £30,449 in VAT, £9,552 in PAYE, £402,302 in corporation tax, £15,000 to trade and expense creditors, and a £39,942 Covid bounce back loan, totalling £497,246 in creditor debt. Additionally, his director's loan account was overdrawn by £780,000, with liquidators uncertain about recovery, bringing the total debt to £1,277,246. A new report indicated that £350,000 had been repaid. However, Joey could face issues with Companies House for allegedly providing inaccurate information. In August last year, he attempted to voluntarily dissolve the company, declaring it solvent and promising to repay debts within 12 months. Falsely claiming solvency is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine or imprisonment. The Daily Mail contacted Joey's representative for comment.
Chloe Brockett
Chloe Brockett revealed that despite fans assuming reality stars earn fortunes, she was paid minimum wage at one point. Speaking to The Sun last year, she said filming for 22 weeks a year amounted to £22,000 annually, describing it as minimum wage for being abused. She had bills to pay, rent to sort, and bought a Porsche to fit the TOWIE image. Like many reality stars facing financial shortfalls, she turned to OnlyFans, acknowledging it was not her goal but a necessity.
Jack Fincham
Earlier this month, Jack Fincham disclosed he was homeless after falling out with his family following a stint in rehab. The 34-year-old appeared on TOWIE in 2021 as a guest. He entered rehab for the second time earlier this year after a relapse into drinking and drugs. He shared on Instagram that he was living in a hotel with his dog, struggling with life post-rehab and lack of family support. He stated he had not much left and was trying to figure out his next steps, adding that his dog Elvis was crucial to his wellbeing.
Lauren Goodger
In 2024, Lauren Goodger spoke candidly about her financial difficulties after previously earning £25,000 for a magazine shoot during her TOWIE heyday. Now living a basic life in a semi-detached home with her daughter, she admitted to making a living through OnlyFans for a $50 monthly membership, though she expressed a desire not to rely on it. She noted that money in the industry is not what it used to be. She also discussed her failed fake-tan brand, Lauren's Way, and an ongoing legal case with the Financial Conduct Authority over unauthorised financial promotions, along with other influencers.
Tommy Mallet
Tommy Mallet, who joined TOWIE in 2014 and was a main cast member for seven years, revealed he lost £30 million and was £3 million in debt. He co-founded Mallet London in 2015, but in 2024 suffered a major financial hit after cutting ties with his business partner and being sued. On the Graft Kings Podcast, he said his net worth had fluctuated from millions to zero, and he was worth zero last year with £3 million in debt. He expressed optimism about becoming a billionaire in the future. In 2024, he opened up about a tough legal battle over his business, resigning as director due to a toxic relationship and mental health struggles.
Dan Osborne
In 2020, Dan Osborne confessed he was hit hard financially by the pandemic and is not rich, contrary to what followers believe. He defended his advertisements for imitation AirPods and Apple Watches, explaining that he needs to feed his kids and pay bills. His debt-ridden business, Storms Entertainment, had less than £1,000 in the bank and debts of £7,469. His previous venture, Charlie Entertainments, was dissolved in 2017 after going bust.
Pete Wicks
Pete Wicks set up PW Promotions after his final TOWIE appearance, but by January 2023, his firm was £100,000 in the red, owing £7,477 in VAT, £66,702 in corporation tax, and £26,500 to Lloyds Bank. He also launched Unkempt and TCDOR, both dormant, alongside other ventures that failed to trade. Representatives were contacted for comment.
Frankie Essex
In 2018, Frankie Essex was reported to have attempted to leave Nobu restaurant without paying the bill. An eyewitness said she tried to leave after others in her group left without contributing. A representative stated that at no point was there a dispute, and the bill was paid.
Dan Edgar
Dan Edgar, who first found fame on TOWIE as an electrician, launched an investment firm in 2017. It was later reported that his scheme scammed customers out of £450,000, selling fake diamonds. He signed a disqualification undertaking preventing him from promoting or managing a limited company until 2031. The Insolvency Service found that Reco Commodities inflated diamond prices, made false claims, and failed to purchase diamonds for customers. Only one customer actually received diamonds. The Daily Mail contacted Dan's team for comment.
Lucy Mecklenburgh
In 2020, Lucy Mecklenburgh quit her clothing business, Lucy's Boutique, following financial losses. She resigned as director after the company posted debts of almost £270,000, with only £673 in the bank. A source said she sold the business without debt and continues as a consultant. She has a multi-million-pound fitness business and reduced her workload before having a baby.
Olivia Attwood
Olivia Attwood's failed luxury clothing brand, We Are Foolish, folded after three months due to delivery problems. She attempted to salvage it by moving to a new warehouse, but it closed two weeks later, refunding all customers. She expressed pride in the brand, emphasising timeless pieces.
