Mark Wright defends Lauren engagement

'The Only Way Is Essex' star Mark Wright insists his engagement to co-star Lauren Goodger is real.

The club promoter proposed to his on/off girlfriend in front of the cameras earlier this month and while some reports have suggested the engagement was faked for the ITV2 show and they had already filmed break-up scenes, Mark is adamant the wedding will go ahead.

Mark - who dated co-star Sam Faiers and Playboy model Kayla Collins before getting back together with Lauren - said: "It's Lauren who has stolen my heart. I love her and I fancy her and wouldn't propose to someone just for a TV show - who would do that? It's something I've been thinking about for years."

Lauren, 24, added: "We have been in a relationship since we were 14. We have not filmed scenes of breaking up and we won't be. I'm planning the wedding. I'm glad we are going to wait until next year. I couldn't plan it in a few weeks, as it will be a big one."

During the start of the second series viewers saw Mark, 24, end his relationship with Sam as he wanted to make a go of things with Lauren.