Gemma Collins’ new engagement heartache

This time last year, Gemma Collins called emergency services over fears her on/off boyfriend James “Arg” Argent had overdosed. The shocking incident sparked Arg, 32, to give up alcohol and head to rehab for the third time.

After a successful stint, he revealed Gemma, 39, had given him an ultimatum, saying, “She wants marriage and kids, but if I relapse again or go downhill, it’s done.”

They later broke up in July, and this year has marked the longest of their splits during their rocky 10-year relationship.

While Arg is going from strength to strength and embarking on a fresh health kick – following a 5st weight loss during training for a gruelling 10-mile swim from Europe to Africa – sources say his recovery and sobriety anniversary is bittersweet for Gemma. She told pals how they had planned to mark his year-long milestone by getting engaged.

A source says, “Gemma’s heartache has become even more raw, as the date she’d hoped would mark the start of their new lives creeps up on her. She’s told pals that while she’s happy he’s doing so well, it makes it even more painful knowing how different things could have been.

“They had secretly planned to jet to Thailand for Arg’s birthday in early December, so he could show her the rehab retreat that helped him – marking his milestone with a romantic proposal on the beach before celebrating with loved ones over Christmas.

“They’d even chosen their outfits for the Instagram reveal and Gemma had found her dream ring, which Arg vowed to ensure she got to flash in true ‘GC’ style.

“Now, instead of planning their future together, she’s being reminded of the happily- ever-after she was so close to getting and it’s bringing a lot of raw emotions to the surface.”

The pair have been on and off for over a decade, with nine official splits and countless short-term breaks. And pals wouldn’t be surprised if they reunited again.

The source says, “Pals suspect it’s only a matter of time before they get back together and are desperately worried, given their history. Gemma’s made endless promises that she’ll never take him back, but it’s as if they’re addicted to one another and can’t help but draw back towards each other.

“They’ve broken up so many times that friends worry this is just another ‘phase’ and that, deep down, they’re both just biding their time and waiting to reconcile as they are so used to always falling back on each other and knowing the other one will be there to take them back.”

Shortly before their latest break-up, Arg credited Gemma’s “tough love” for helping save his life as he vowed to stay clean and prove his commitment to settling down with the star.

He said, “I want to get married and have children. But I know if I was to relapse again, Gemma has made it clear to me that she’s done everything that she possibly can. You’ve got to remember that Gemma’s in her late thirties, so she hasn’t got time to be mucking about any more.”

Shortly after their split this summer – fuelled by a series of cruel texts in which Arg branded Gemma a “hippo” and a “fat f*ck” after she accused him of taking another woman out for dinner – Gemma revealed how she tragically miscarried their baby during lockdown.

The Diva Forever star, who also suffered a miscarriage in 2012 when she ended up giving birth on her landing at four and a half months pregnant, has made no secret of her longing to become a mum. She said, “Losing a baby with someone I loved very much was very heartbreaking.”

Since their split, Gemma has put on a brave face as she continues to flaunt the results of her 3st weight loss and plough herself into work – bagging a six-figure endorsement deal with budget airline Wizz Air, as she tops up her £5 million fortune.

Check out: James Argent's weight loss journey

The entrepreneur – who recently revealed she has started a two-year renovation project to turn her Essex pad into a gem-encrusted palace with its own helipad – also confessed she is planning to undergo a breast reduction and vowed to “age reverse herself by 20 years” as she underwent a £350 jaw-tightening procedure to contour her face.

During a recent Q&A with fans, she said, “I’m feeling great… and people have said I look good. But you know what, my health feels so good – it’s not just about how you look… I feel so much better about myself.”

But despite Gemma appearing to be in a better place without Arg, insiders have told Closer that her attempt to physically alter her appearance – which has included sexing-up her image – has been fuelled by her desperation to get a reaction from her former toyboy, who’s also been showing off the results of his lifestyle overhaul.

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And friends fear that with Gemma’s 40th birthday looming in February, it could spark additional heartache, to mourn for the future with Arg she never got to have.

Displaying her vulnerable side on her show, Diva Forever, the star, said, “I never expected to be in this position at 39, but I am confident that I will get my own family one day. I am confident that I will get married. I’m never going to give up hope. The show has to continue.”

The source adds, “Gemma’s torn between her heart and her head, and watching Arg in such a different place has made her envisage him being a doting dad and husband now that he’s turned his life around. It just feels painful, but she’s doing all she can to celebrate her success as a single woman and do her best not to focus too much on what could have been.”

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