In love again: Gemma Collins and James Argent’s fresh start

They’ve had a turbulent nine-year romance consisting of appalling public insults, weight battles and his drug addiction.

But now James “Arg” Argent and Gemma Collins are putting their turmoil behind them and have reached a “happy place” – by finding love elsewhere.

Friends say the former TOWIE couple are both hoping it’s second time lucky with their former partners – Rami Hawash and Lydia Bright.

Just weeks ago Gemma, 41, gushed about her love for 45-year-old car-salesman Rami – who she was previously engaged to in 2014, between dating Arg – and revealed they are now trying for a baby.

Gemma – who started dating Rami again early last year – said, “If I’m not pregnant by next March, I’ll go back to the fertility clinic. But I’ve had some fertility tests done and the doctor said everything looks OK. Medically, there is so much you can do now. I’ve got friends who have had IVF. If necessary, we will look into it.”

Gemma is also enjoying being a stepmum to Tristan, Rami’s three-year-old son from a previous relationship, and last month she thanked Tristan’s mum, Fernanda, for allowing her to be part of his life.

She added, “It was a pinch-me moment – I went to her house yesterday for dinner and I sat there and I was like, ‘This is so surreal but so wonderful’. Two really strong women and a great dad and the love we have for the child.”

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Meanwhile, Arg is said to be trying to rekindle things with his childhood sweetheart Lydia Bright, 30 – who is mum to one- year-old Loretta, who she shares with her ex, Lee Cronin.

The pair are said to have been spending increasing amounts of time together and have developed “more serious feelings for each other” after a string of secret meet-ups. Arg recently vowed to find the “love of his life” and added, “Me and Lydia are extremely close again. We have kept that low-key and behind closed doors... I’m very fond of Lydia. I’m lucky to have her in my life and for us to be such close friends.”

And insiders say that while Lydia – who joined Arg at his sister Natasha’s wedding in the summer, where they were said to be “inseparable” – initially had reservations about getting back together with her troubled ex, watching him overhaul his life over the last year has prompted a change of heart.

“Arg is finally the man she always hoped he could be and she’s now starting to envisage a settled future with him,” says the source.

“Arg has never stopped loving Lydia and he’s told friends that he’s determined to keep the weight off and keep his life on the right path just for her. He’s hopeful he can finally have their dream life together like they planned when they fell in love as teenagers.”

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Despite going their separate ways, friends close to Gemma and Arg insist that they will always love each other – and will remain good friends.

A source says, “It’s ironic, but them both falling in love again with other people has really improved their relationship. When they were together, it was so toxic, but now there has been some time since their split, they are a lot more civil and calm.

“They still have a lot of love for each other but now it’s a healthy love – they want the best for each other rather than fighting one another. Gemma and James will always be friends – they’ve gone through too much together to cut ties.

“They message each other occasionally and they have a lot of mutual friends, which means they will often see one another at social events, so they are both determined to get along.

“Gemma is really proud of how Arg has turned things around, while he will forever be grateful for the support Gemma has given him. They are both in a good place mentally, and it’s a fresh start for them both.”

The pair’s turbulent relationship has endured several break-ups, which were often played out on TOWIE, with Arg flitting between Gemma and Lydia.

In 2020, fans were disgusted when Gemma shared cruel messages from Arg in which he mocked her weight and called her a “hippo” and a “fat f***”.

And a few months later, he entered rehab for drug addiction after spending last Christmas alone on a three-day drug binge. He later credited Gemma’s “tough love” for forcing him to face up to his demons.

Since then, Arg has turned his life around, losing 11st since having gastric surgery at the beginning of last year, while Gemma, who has also struggled with her weight, lost 3st through exercise.

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Last month, Gemma said, “I saved Arg’s life three times. We’ll never fall out, we’ll always be friends. Rami and I wish Arg nothing but the best, there is no awkwardness.”

Meanwhile, Arg apologised for their infamous text row, adding, “I’m very pleased she started dating Rami again because I’m actually quite fond of him. He’s a nice guy.”

And friends say their respectful words towards each other are a sign they’ve put any negativity behind them.

The source explains, “For almost a decade, Gemma and Arg have gone into a new year wondering what the next twist in their roller-coaster relationship will be. But now that’s not an issue as they have both moved on for good and found new partners.

“They’ve reached a happy place separately – and that means they can now focus on just being friends instead.”

And with Gemma saying she would like “lots of weddings” to Rami, friends say wedding-singer Arg could even be invited to perform.

“Rami and Gemma have not set a date yet,” says the source. “But they are 100 per cent heading for the aisle. Arg serenading the bride and groom would be a remarkable ending to things!

“But all Gemma and Arg want is to be happy. Although the fairy-tale ending fans were hoping for won’t happen, the truth is Gemma and Arg have never been more content than they are right now. This is a new year and fresh start for them both.”

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