Yazmin Oukhellou

Yazmin Oukhellou is a British television personality, fashion influencer, and businesswoman who gained widespread recognition as a cast member on the hit UK reality series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). Born on May 3, 1994, in London, England, she first joined the long-running show in 2017 during its twentieth series. Beyond her television appearances, Oukhellou has established a significant presence across social media as a style icon and digital creator.

Early Life and Television Career

Raised in England, Oukhellou attended Newcastle University, where she graduated with a degree in Media Studies in 2015. Her public profile rose dramatically in 2017 when she entered the main cast of The Only Way Is Essex. During her multi-series tenure on the show, she became a central figure in key storylines alongside her former partner James Lock. Oukhellou remained a prominent feature of TOWIE through multiple seasons before stepping back from regular filming to pursue international career opportunities. In addition to her time on TOWIE, she appeared as an original cast member in the third season of MTV's Celebrity Ex on the Beach.

Business and Social Media Presence

Parallel to her television career, Oukhellou has developed a successful footprint in the fashion and beauty industries. Prior to her major television debut, she launched her own swimwear line and later collaborated with online fashion retailers, including JYY London and Fashion Nova. She also spent time living in Dubai, where she worked in luxury real estate. On social media, Oukhellou maintains an active following under the Instagram handle @yazminoukhellou, where she shares outfit inspirations, travel content, and beauty routines with nearly 900,000 followers. She has also used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, serving as an ambassador for PTSD UK.

Personal Life

Oukhellou's personal life and relationships have frequently drawn public interest. Her high-profile romance with TOWIE co-star James Lock was chronicled extensively during her television career. In July 2022, she survived a severe car accident in Turkey that tragically claimed the life of her then-partner, Jake McLean. Following the incident, she spoke openly about her recovery process and physical trauma, using her personal experiences to raise awareness around emotional healing and resilience.