Former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh broke down in tears as she said goodbye to her Essex home of 11 years, which she shared with her fiancé, Ryan Thomas, and their two children

Lucy Mecklenburgh, the former TOWIE star, shared a heartfelt moment on Instagram as she tearfully discussed her move from Essex to Manchester.

The 33 year old and her fiancé Ryan Thomas, known for playing the role of Jason Grimshaw on ITV soap opera Coronation Street from 2000 until 2016, have decided to relocate their family to his hometown after living in Essex for 11 years.

Lucy described the past week as “one of the most emotional weeks of my life” as she packed up their home filled with memories.

The couple, who share son Roman and daughter Lilah, are looking forward to starting anew in the north.

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Ryan also has a daughter, Scarlett, from his previous relationship with Coronation Street actress Tina O’Brien. A source told new that although Lucy understands the necessity of the move, it’s a “bittersweet” chapter for her.

“Lucy has huge memories of that house – she renovated it from scratch,” the source revealed.

“She had her babies there so she’s very emotional. They’ve got this big move to Manchester and the emotions are running high. She’s been very tearful about it. It’s a new chapter, but it’s also stressful for her. Her heart is in that house, as she made it such a home.”

While taking down framed photos from her daughter’s bedroom walls and packing away furniture, Lucy found herself in tears.

She explained in a narrated video: “One of the most emotional weeks of my life,” disclosing, “I really didn’t expect to get so emotional, but I moved out of my home of 11 years this week.”, reports the Mirror.

She reflected on spending half-term amidst moving chaos, yet finding joy, “That’s how we spent our half-term – actually the kids had the best time.

“We had mixed emotions because we outgrew this house so long ago, we’ve made the big move to Manchester and we’re really happy.

“But there are so many memories I have hung on to in this house.”

She shared the deep connection she has with her former home, noting, “I went from being single, it was my first big renovation project, it was my first real home since moving out of my parents’, I guess.

“I brought both my babies back from hospital here and honestly there’s something about that, that I could never get rid of this house.

“So we just made it work over the years, but it definitely wasn’t big enough, we didn’t have enough bedrooms, enough storage.”

As she wiped away her tears, she affirmed the move as correct, admitting it was “time to go”, but also acknowledging the emotional weight, saying: “Seeing the rooms empty is just the bit that made me cry.”

Our insider shared insights into Lucy’s conflicting feelings, stating, “She’s torn. Part of her is ready to move on and part of her is completely heartbroken at giving something up that holds so many special memories for her.

“She did love where she was, but she also knows she needs this fresh start – for her relationship and for the kids. It’s a bittersweet moment.”

Lucy, who has always candidly shared the highs and lows of parenting, also offered some advice for others going through a house move with young children.

She shared that she tried to involve her kids as much as possible to create one last memory in their old home.

“Give them little jobs,” she suggested. “We upped the screen time, definitely, and get family and friends to help.”