Lauren Goodger is set to make a return to 'The Only Way is Essex' for its upcoming Christmas special.

Lauren Goodger

Lauren Goodger

The 29-year-old reality TV star, who was one of the original cast members when the show first hit screens in 2010, turned her back on the programme three years ago but is planning to return to her routes and stir up some trouble.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Lauren was one of 'Towie's most explosive characters and biggest names, so producers are hopeful she'll be back to cause more chaos.

"She's worked hard to slim down and overhaul her image since quitting the show, meaning she'll be even ballsier than before. Essex won't know what's hit it."

And, although storylines have moved on since her departure, show bosses are hopeful she's wreak havoc by bringing up her former fiancé Mark Wright, who has since married ex-soap beauty Michelle Keegan, on camera.

The insider added: "Lauren and Mark still clash whenever she tries to use him for publicity, so there could be fireworks off screen as well as on if his name crops up."

Meanwhile, Lauren isn't the only ex-cast member set to make a comeback this festive season as Gemma Collins and Mario Falcone, who quit the programme earlier this year, are also being lined up to feature in the special.