'Finally the diva decides to turn up': Lauren Goodger plays it safe in a purple maxi... but doesn't arrive at her OWN birthday party until 11pm

By Louise Saunders She was suspended from The Only Way Is Essex earlier this year for frustrating producers with her diva demands. But it would appear Lauren Goodger is much the same when it comes to her personal life, with the reality star not turning up to her own birthday party until 11pm. The curvy brunette was joined by a number of her former TOWIE co-stars as she celebrated turning 26 at Mooro's restaurant in Chigwell, Essex, on Friday night.

Birthday girl: Lauren Goodger didn't arrive at her own birthday party until 11pm on Friday night, leaving her former TOWIE co-stars wondering where she was

Playing it safe: The reality star opted for a Grecian-inspired indigo maxi dress as she celebrated her 26th birthday at Mooro's restaurant in Chigwell, Essex But Lauren appeared to have frustrated her devoted pals before she even arrived at the venue, with them left wondering where on earth she was. Cara Kilbey wrote on her Twitter page: 'Oh finally the diva @LaurenGoodger decides to turn up to her own party at 11. Thought she got the wrong venue.' And Frankie Essex echoed the sentiment, adding: 'We're here but where's the bday girl @LaurenGoodger ???'

Inseparable: Best pals Cara Kilbey and Billi Mucklow arrived at the bash together

Girls' night out: Cara Kilbey (L) showed off her toned and tanned pins in a black skater-style minidress, while Billi Mucklow (R) opted for a feather-trim emerald green lace number Lauren played it safe when it came to her choice of birthday outfit, opting for a Grecian-inspired one-shoulder indigo maxi dress. The 26-year-old star paired her gown with a black Vivienne Westwood clutch bag, towering nude platform stilettos and her light brown extensions tumbling around her shoulders.

Had a good time? Lauren pouted up a storm as she left her birthday bash with a giant balloon And Lauren's deep hue was thanks to a spray tan she opted for earlier in the day at her Lauren's Way salon. Arriving at the venue with her posse of pals in a white Bentley, the salon owner certainly seemed to be living it up as she prepared for her big night.

TOWIE couple: Lydia Bright and Tom Kilbey left the event early to prepare for the Virgin Active London Triathlon Earlier in the evening, she tweeted: 'At my hotel nice jacuzzi in the suite while I get ready with my girl n some champs..Also liking my ride tonight. 'Actually can't wait for my Birthday party @moorosevents tonight!! All my friends and Family can't wait c u all!! Its gona be 1 to Remember!x' Although the likes of Jessica Wright, Lucy Mecklenburgh and Sam Faiers were notably absent from the bash, Lauren was joined in celebrating her birthday by a number of her former co-stars.

Out on the town: Frankie Essex showed off her curves in a monochrome mini Best friends Cara Kilbey and Billi Mucklow arrived at the event together, with Cara showing off her toned pins in a skater-style LBD and Billi choosing a feather-trim emerald green lace number. Frankie Essex kept the results of her recent boob job hidden in a monochrome minidress, while Georgina Dorsett - who as also now left the show - flaunting her impressive cleavage in a plunging grey dress. Meanwhile, Chloe Sims vamped it up in a pair of super-tight leather trousers from her Starship collection and a black lace peplum top from New Look. Lydia Bright went for a casual look; teaming a cream blazer with patterned jeans and nude stilettos as she arrived at the party with her co-star boyfriend Tom Kilbey.

Flaunting her curves: Georgina Dorsett showed off her impressive cleavage in a plunging grey number, while Chloe Sims vamped it up in leather trousers and a black lace peplum top The TOWIE couple left the bash early, and were promptly branded 'boring' by their respective sisters, Cara Kilbey and Georgia Bright. Cara wrote on her Twitter page: 'Night with my sister from another mister @xgeorgiabrightx x sisters of the boring @lydiarosebright and @tomkilbey.' But it would seem the duo had every reason to duck out of the proceedings at a respectable hour, with them competing alongside Lydia's mum Debbie in the Virgin Active London Triathlon.

Who knew they were friends: Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock was spotted leaving the party wearing a pretty sequinned minidress On Saturday morning, Lydia tweeted: 'Up bright & early en route to the #VirginActiveLondonTriathlon to compete with the golden team @tomkilbey & @debbietowie #teamtowie. Meanwhile, Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock was pictured leaving the bash wearing a pretty multi-coloured sequinned minidress. But it would seem that TOWIE's Gemma Collins was left out of the celebrations. The star cut a lonely figure as she was pictured arriving and leaving Essex's Funky Mojoes nightclub on her own with a somewhat downcast look on her face.

Left out: Gemma Collins cut a lonely figure as she was spotted arriving and leaving Essex's Funky Mojoes nightclub alone on Friday night source:dailymail