The stars of The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) have become synonymous with glitz, glam, and a lifestyle that seems unattainable to the average person. Since the show first aired in 2010, the cast has been known for their extravagant parties, flashy cars, and perfect spray tans. However, behind the scenes, many of TOWIE’s biggest stars have faced financial struggles and personal challenges that paint a very different picture from the high-flying lives they portray on television.
While viewers may assume that these reality stars are living a life of luxury, the truth is often much darker. Some have gone from riches to rags, while others are still grappling with debts and financial uncertainty. From failed businesses to bankruptcy, homelessness, and serious legal battles, here’s a closer look at the TOWIE stars who have faced significant financial difficulties.
Joey Essex: £1.2 Million Debt and Financial Troubles
Joey Essex, one of the most well-known TOWIE stars, has recently found himself embroiled in serious financial issues. In 2025, it was revealed that his personal firm, Joey Essex Management Ltd, went bankrupt with a staggering £1.2 million in debts, mainly to the tax authorities. Despite earning significant income from various reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity, Dancing on Ice, and Celebrity Masterchef, Joey’s company was forced into liquidation after it could not pay its mounting debts.
Reports indicate that Joey’s company owed money to multiple creditors, including VAT, PAYE, corporation tax, and a £39,942 Covid bounce-back loan. On top of this, Joey’s director’s loan account was overdrawn by £780,000. The total debt stood at a shocking £1.27 million, and while £350,000 has since been repaid, the situation is far from resolved. His company’s financial collapse has led to an investigation into Joey’s conduct, with authorities examining whether he provided inaccurate information about the company’s solvency.
Joey’s story serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly fortunes can change, even for those who seem to be at the top of their game.
Chloe Brockett: Minimum Wage Struggles and Turning to OnlyFans
Chloe Brockett, another TOWIE star, made headlines when she revealed that, despite the glamorous lifestyle portrayed on TV, her reality was far less luxurious in the beginning. At one point, Chloe was earning only minimum wage, despite being a regular on the show. In an interview with The Sun, Chloe shared that she earned just £22,000 per year for working 22 weeks of filming, which was not enough to cover her rent and bills.
To make ends meet, Chloe turned to OnlyFans, a platform she initially frowned upon. “Of course it wasn’t my goal. Who sits in school and says, ‘I know, I want to do OnlyFans’?” she admitted. But like many other reality stars, Chloe resorted to the platform to boost her income after facing financial pressures.
Chloe’s story sheds light on the often-overlooked financial realities faced by reality TV stars, many of whom struggle to maintain the image of wealth that their shows portray.
Jack Fincham: From Rehab to Homelessness
Jack Fincham, known for his appearance on Love Island and brief stints on TOWIE, shocked fans when he revealed he was left homeless after a falling-out with his family following a stint in rehab. In a candid Instagram post, Jack shared how his relapse into alcohol and drug addiction nearly cost him his life and left him without a permanent home.
Despite his struggles, Jack remains optimistic and is determined to get his life back on track. He recently spoke about how his life had hit rock bottom, explaining that he was living in a hotel with his dog, Elvis, and trying to figure out his next steps. Jack’s story is a powerful reminder of the emotional and financial toll that addiction can take, even on those who seem to have everything going for them on the outside.
Lauren Goodger: From £25,000 Magazine Shoots to Financial Hardship
Lauren Goodger, one of the original TOWIE stars, has been vocal about her financial struggles in recent years. Once commanding £25,000 for a magazine shoot during her peak, Lauren now lives a more modest life in a semi-detached house with her daughter, Larose. She has faced numerous challenges, including the tragic stillbirth of her second daughter in 2022, which led to her stepping away from her career for a period.
Lauren admitted that she had to turn to OnlyFans to make ends meet, a decision that she found humbling. “I don’t want to have to do OnlyFans,” she said. “But money in the industry isn’t what it was.” She also reflected on the downfall of her fake-tan brand, Lauren’s Way, which had once been stocked in major stores like Superdrug and Debenhams but ultimately fell apart due to disputes with business partners.
Lauren’s story highlights the volatility of reality TV fame and how even the most successful stars can struggle financially when their business ventures fail.
Tommy Mallet: From £30 Million to £3 Million in Debt
Tommy Mallet, known for his time on TOWIE and his successful Mallet London brand, has faced a dramatic financial fall from grace. In 2024, Tommy revealed that he lost an eye-watering £30 million and was £3 million in debt following a legal dispute with his business partner.
The financial turmoil began after Tommy and his former partner, Evren Ozka, had a falling-out and Tommy was sued. Tommy admitted that his business had suffered and that his net worth had plummeted from £30 million to zero in a short space of time. Despite this, Tommy remains determined to turn his fortunes around. “I’m a billionaire in the making,” he said confidently, promising to reclaim his wealth and build a better future for his family.
Tommy’s resilience in the face of financial ruin serves as a testament to his drive, but it also underscores the precariousness of the reality TV star business model.
Dan Osborne: Financial Struggles and Tattoo Parlour Closure
Dan Osborne, known for his appearances on TOWIE and Celebrity Big Brother, has had his own financial struggles, particularly during the pandemic. In 2020, Dan confessed that he was “hit hard financially” by the economic downturn caused by the global health crisis. He revealed that his tattoo parlour had shut down and that his debt-ridden business had just £978 in the bank.
Dan has faced criticism for promoting a variety of products on social media, including imitation tech gadgets, which led some followers to believe he was living a lavish lifestyle despite his financial woes. Dan defended his advertising choices, explaining that he needed to make a living and support his family, just like everyone else.
Pete Wicks: £100,000 in Debt and Business Struggles
Pete Wicks, a longtime TOWIE star, ventured into the world of business after his time on the show. However, his company, PW Promotions, faced financial difficulties, including £100,000 in debt and tax issues. Despite launching multiple businesses, including Unkempt and TCDOR, Pete’s ventures have struggled to become profitable.
As the reality star continues to build his business empire, his story is a reminder of the financial pressures that many reality TV stars face once the cameras stop rolling.
The High Price of Fame
The stories of Joey Essex, Chloe Brockett, Jack Fincham, Lauren Goodger, Tommy Mallet, Dan Osborne, and others highlight the financial struggles that many TOWIE stars face, despite their on-screen persona of wealth and glamour. Whether it’s through failed business ventures, mounting debts, or reliance on platforms like OnlyFans, these stars show that the reality of fame is far more complicated than what viewers see on TV.
As TOWIE continues to captivate audiences, the untold struggles of its stars remind us that even the glitziest of lives can be built on a foundation of financial uncertainty.
