IRL London cast members Casey Boonstra, Louise Roberts, Hannah Brooks, Lauren Elizabeth, Frankie Sims, Emily Black, and Lauren Alexis collaged in front of Big Ben

IRL London: 9 Surprises We Didn’t See Coming

By OFTV Editor

December 12, 2025

3 Minute Read

London brought rain, chaos, cricket pads… and a wave of surprises none of us saw coming. Louise Roberts, Hannah Brooks, Lauren Elizabeth, Frankie Sims, Emily Black, and Lauren Alexis opened up in ways that were funny, raw, and completely unexpected. From dark days in a Fiat to secret Pokémon stashes, midnight doughnut runs, and plans for a wiener dog sanctuary, IRL London delivered twist after twist. These are the moments that made us stop, rewind, and see each creator differently.

Louise Roberts @LouiseFitCoach

#1: The Fiat/Coin-Purse Moment

Louise Roberts shared one of the most memorable moments of the London episodes when she talked about sitting in her tiny Fiat 500 during winter, holding a nearly empty coin purse and trying to figure out what she could afford to eat. She even snapped a photo so she’d never forget how tough that day felt.

“I had this little leather purse and I had coins in the purse. This is all the money that I have.”

#2: The Yellow School Bus Studio

The reveal that came next was the kind of twist only Louise could deliver. Today, she owns a bright yellow American school bus that she’s transformed into a creative studio. It’s a far cry from her cramped hatchback.

From counting coins in a Fiat to working out of a full-sized school bus parked in her driveway, Louise’s glow-up is one for the books.

IRL London cast member Louise Roberts poses in a tank top outside a home in England
IRL London castmate Hannah Brooks poses in a forest clearing

Hannah Brooks @HannahBrooks25

#3: The Pokémon-LEGO-Golf Multiverse

Hannah Brooks surprised everyone with a trio of hobbies that sound like they belong to three completely different people. She collects Pokémon cards, builds an entire LEGO city, and plays enough golf that Portugal has basically become her home course. Some people contain multitudes. Hannah contains a multiverse.

She started collecting cards while recovering from surgery and got hooked fast, turns to LEGO when she needs a break from her phone, and swings a golf club like she has been doing it her whole life. 

From opening packs to stacking bricks to chasing par fives, Hannah’s blend of chill, creative, and athletic energy ended up being one of IRL London’s most unexpected revelations.

“I started collecting Pokémon cards and now I’m addicted.”

Lauren Elizabeth @LaurenElizabeth

#4: The Secret Strength Flex

Lauren Elizabeth has curated a vibe that’s all soft smiles and Pomeranian cuddles. She’s the whole wholesome package.

So, when she casually mentions that she deadlifts 107 kilograms (236 pounds), the information hits Casey like… well, 107 kilograms.

“I lift quite heavy. I’m deadlifting 107 kilograms for two reps.”

Lauren may look gentle, but she’s serious about her strength and could probably deadlift the guy next door without blinking. She proves that soft can be strong and is a reminder not to judge a lifter by her cover.

IRL London castmate Lauren Elizabeth poses inside
IRL London castmate Frankie Sims poses outside a race car during her racing day with Casey

Frankie Sims @FrankieSims

#5: The Homebody Queen…

Frankie Sims serves full glamour on the ‘Gram, but the reality is much cozier. She admits she is “such a homebody” who would rather stay in, watch Mamma Mia on repeat, and cuddle her dachshund Timothy Samuels (yes, that is his full name) than go anywhere. She is no Dancing Queen, and she is proud of it.

#6: ... And Her Wiener Retreat Dream

Then came the cutest twist of the London episodes. Frankie revealed that her big dream is to open an animal shelter called The Wiener Retreat, dedicated entirely to dachshunds. 

“I would call it The Wiener Retreat!”

It is officially the wiener-loving homebody era.

Emily Black @EmBlack

#7: The Troll Fighter

Emily Black opened up about navigating jealousy, online negativity, and the hard work it took to build an unshakable sense of self. Once you feel that confidence, the trolls just don't matter anymore.

“Once you feel actual confidence within yourself, like who are these people online?

#8: The Late-Night Donut Heist

Then Emily revealed a story that lives somewhere between confession and comedy. She once snuck downstairs at 2 a.m. planning to eat “just one” donut, ended up finishing the entire box of twelve, and successfully blamed it on her brothers. Their parents remain unaware to this day.

From owning the trolls to owning the last dozen donuts, Emily proved she has a talent for both quiet confidence and quiet chaos.

IRL London Castmate Emily Black poses outside holding an apple in a cottagecore dress
IRL castmate Lauren Alexis poses in her helmet and harness following a skydiving adventure with Casey

Lauren Alexis @LaurenAlexIsGold

#9: An Advocate with Attitude

Lauren Alexis brought a thoughtful emotional twist to her IRL London episode when she opened up about why men’s mental health matters so deeply to her. She’s seen firsthand how often men are told to “stay strong” and keep their feelings to themselves, and the messages she receives daily remind her how isolating that pressure can be. Lauren has made it her mission to create a space where people feel heard, supported, and never ashamed to ask for help.

“What’s the worst that could happen? Probably a lot.”

And then came the literal leap we didn’t see coming. Lauren, who swore she would never attempt anything close to skydiving, stepped into a wind tunnel, took flight, and ended up laughing through the entire experience. 

It was joy, courage, and a little chaos all at once…

And one of the most unexpectedly uplifting moments of IRL.

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