Towie’s Yazmin Oukhellou breaks silence after being banned from Jake McLean’s funeral

TOWIE star Yazmin Oukhellou has broken her silence following Jake McLean’s funeral today.

The 28-year-old, who was beside boyfriend Jake in the horrifying crash which killed him but was banned from his funeral today, revealed she had been taking time to “heal” as she paid tribute to him.

Sharing a never before seen picture of them looking loved up, Yazmin wrote: “I have been taking some time away from social media to fully focus on my mental and physical recovery. I needed this time away to work on healing and processing everything as best as I can.

“This has taught me that life is so short and we must cherish our loved ones as much as possible.

“I am so grateful for our memories and the special time that Jake and I shared. I’ve not stopped thinking about him and I’ll miss him always. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. 🙏🤍👼.”

She added:  “I want to thank everyone for their support and lovely messages. I truly appreciate each and every single one of you. 🙏 Love Yaz.”

Yazmin, 28, who badly injured her arm in the smash, stayed away today as mourners including his ex Lauren Goodger and former Towie co-stars James Argent and Liam ‘Gatsby’ Blackwell attended the Essex service.

Lauren was in a relationship with Jake for four years until 2020.

Mourners at the funeral dressed in a mix of black and white clothing.

The hearse was decorated with floral tributes to Jake, including one of a Lamborghini badge.

A source said: “Yaz feared she would not be able to attend Jake’s funeral and her worst nightmare came true when it was made clear she would not be welcome.

“She has been left traumatised after the crash and to now not be allowed to say goodbye has been awful for her.

“Yaz insists there was no argument and that Jake and she were happy.”

The source added: "Yaz will pay her own tribute to Jake privately.”

Jake died instantly at the scene of the crash which happened after the pair had been on a night out with friends.

His mum Anita flew to Turkey immediately after learning of his death and told prosecutors he was a “skilled driver” who would not have lost control of the vehicle.

Speaking in the weeks following the accident, Yazmin told The Sun she had to deliberately break her own arm to free herself from the overturned vehicle and get help for him.