The Only Way Is Essex premiered 16 years ago, captivating audiences with glimpses into the glamorous lives of Essex’s elite. Stars like Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger, James Argent, and Sam Faiers delivered friendship drama, romances, and memorable catchphrases. Yet off-screen, cast members have endured severe challenges, including sudden deaths, addiction struggles, violent incidents, crimes, and business collapses.
Recent Tragic Deaths
Jake Hall, who joined TOWIE in series 14 through 18 starting in 2015, died at age 35 after sustaining fatal head injuries from smashing through a glass door at a rented property in Majorca. Police discovered him in a pool of blood, with investigators pursuing a theory of a tragic accident following an all-night party. Witnesses reported the group continued celebrating at the rental. He leaves behind his eight-year-old daughter, River, shared with Misse Beqiri. Her representatives stated: “At this time, Misse’s focus is on supporting and protecting their child as they come to terms with this devastating loss. The family are asking for privacy, compassion and respect while they grieve privately.”
Just before Hall’s passing, former TOWIE cast member Jordan Wright drowned in a drainage canal in Phuket’s Thalang District on March 14. CCTV footage captured him sprinting erratically to his hotel. Authorities describe the circumstances as unclear, with possible involvement of others. An inquest opened last month and adjourned until September 14.
In January 2021, businessman Mick Norcross, who appeared in TOWIE’s second season, died by suicide at 57. His son Kirk, an original cast member, found him and relapsed into cocaine addiction amid the grief. Norcross faced financial strain from a £3.6 million bank loan and a bridging loan.
Last year, Ricky Rayment shared the loss of his sister, makeup artist Lisa Kempley, who died at 56 on July 25. A statement on her business page read: “We are saddened to announce that our lovely Lisa passed away on Friday 25th July. We know she was truly loved by friends and clients alike and therefore want to extend an open invitation to attend her funeral service.”
Addiction Struggles
James ‘Arg’ Argent has battled alcohol, cocaine addiction, weight issues, and mental health challenges since gaining fame. Suspended from TOWIE in 2014 after failing a drug test, he sought treatment in Thailand in 2016. A 2019 relapse after splitting with Gemma Collins led to hospitalizations from overdoses. Argent described psychosis during binges, including barricading himself in his room for days, convinced walls were closing in. He achieved sobriety post-2019 rock bottom, lost 14 stone after gastric sleeve surgery in 2021, and underwent a tummy tuck. Kirk Norcross marks five years sober from alcohol and cocaine.
Last year, Argent admitted pushing girlfriend Nicoline Artursson during a dispute in Spain’s Costa del Sol, causing her to fall and require hospital care. He received a six-month suspended sentence and two-year restraining order.
Nightclub Violence
In 2011, Sam and Billie Faiers suffered a brutal attack by a girl gang in a nightclub. Sam sustained black eyes, a split nose, bruises, and scratches, later saying: “I really thought I was going to die. They just came at me like a herd of elephants… I was being so violently attacked by so many girls there was nothing I could do but curl up into a ball. Then I passed out.” Billie was beaten and robbed, then lured for a second assault. Sam recounted: “She said they would give me back Billie’s things if I met them in Repton Park… I was smashed to the ground and just beaten. I was punched in the face and kicked in the head.”
In 2016, Jake Hall nearly lost a kidney after a stabbing with a glass bottle at Aqwa Mist club in Marbella during a brawl involving broken glass from bottles and shisha pipes. He spent time in intensive care before recovering.
Criminal Incidents and Partners
In 2017, Ferne McCann’s partner Arthur Collins, father of her daughter Sunday, perpetrated a major acid attack at Mangle E8 in Dalston, injuring 16 with burns and temporarily blinding three. He fled but was captured days later. Collins claimed ignorance of the acid but later admitted knowledge to a psychiatrist. Convicted of grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm, he received a 20-year sentence upheld on appeal.
Lauren Goodger dated Joey Morrison, jailed for 16 years in 2010 for a postman-disguised burglary in Enfield, where police seized cocaine and a Land Rover. His brother Stephen died from stab wounds in 2020 after a car chase in Epping.
Another ex, Jake McLean, died in 2022 driving off a cliff in Bodrum, Turkey, with girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou injured. Toxicology showed alcohol over the limit and cocaine. Coroner Dr. Shirley Ratcliffe noted: “The post mortem found no natural disease… The cause of death was skull fractures and brain damage.” Yazmin reflected: “Now I’m just wondering how the hell did my partner die while I’ve survived? It’s made me look at life totally differently.”
Mike Hassini, on TOWIE from 2015-2018, received six years and nine months in 2021 for handling £70,000 in cocaine. Police caught him exchanging drugs, finding more at a searched property. Released in September 2023 after two years.
Business Failures
Many stars launched ventures that faltered. Gemma Collins’ boutique accumulated £76,000 in debts, leading to a three-year directorship ban in 2020 despite her investments. A spokesperson explained: “Gemma believed her accountants were taking care of all financial aspects… The Insolvency Service found there was no personal benefit.”
Pete Wicks’ PW Promotions owed £100,000, including taxes and bank loans. Other firms like Unkempt and TCDOR remain dormant.
Joey Essex’s 2013 Brentwood boutique Fusey closed in 2018 amid local criticism. He shifted online, stating: “I also hope the other traders in Crown Street can continue to be successful when we close as I appreciate a few were unhappy with the thousands of fans that visit my shop.”
