Inside Gemma Collins and James Argent’s toxic relationship

How long can Gemma and Arg’s fiery relationship survive?

They’re arguably the most on/off reality TV couple of all time, but just two months after their latest split, Gemma Collins and James “Arg” Argent appeared to be back on again, as they were snapped on holiday together in Sicily last week.

The reunion is the latest in a long line of make-ups and break-ups between the pair – who first got romantically involved in 2012 after meeting on TOWIE – and fans have seen Gemma, 38, repeatedly break down over each of their splits.

Shockingly, in February they briefly ended their romance after Arg, 31, called her a “fat, horrible lump” in a series of abusive text messages, before reuniting only to split again in April, reportedly over a heated row about his weight.

Amid all the drama, in May, Arg – who has been to rehab three times – was reportedly sacked from TOWIE after he tested positive for cocaine, as Gemma fled to America to film her reality show.

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It seems inevitable that more heartache is on the horizon for the couple, but pals say that they’re still determined to go the distance, and can’t stay away from each other.

A source reveals, “Despite everything, Gem decided that she wasn’t ready to give up on Arg, and feels she owed it to him to give him another chance. They’re both under no illusion that it won’t be long before they start arguing and split again, but they just can’t seem to resist one another.

“They often bicker about silly things that then blow up into heated rows, but this time Gem is determined not to let minor things build up. She wants them both to be as open and honest as possible about what’s bothering them.

"Arg can be quite a jealous person, and in the past if he’s felt ignored by Gem when her career is soaring, he’ll lash out at her and be quite nasty. But Gem will also fly off the handle when she sees Arg flirting with another girl. They’re both fiery, but it’s usually Gem who becomes the bigger person and tries to sort things out.”

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After taking part in Dancing On Ice at the start of the year, Gemma’s career has been on the up – she’s been filming her own reality show in LA, where she hung out with Kim Kardashian’s BFF, Jonathan Cheban, and attended the Hollywood premiere of Godzilla, reportedly catching the eye of a top director in the entertainment industry.

But pals say her focus always goes back to Arg, and that they’ve been speaking to a relationship coach in the US.

A source explains, “Gem’s relationship coach was recommended by Jonathan and they’ve worked with many LA celebrities including the Kardashians. She’s hoping that having a professional guide them will prevent her and Arg from arguing as much as they do.

"They’ve both been told to keep a journal and write down things that are affecting them, rather than keeping everything buried away. They’ll have sessions over Skype with the expert.

“Arg is really open to the idea, as he’s keen to make things work and will do whatever it takes. Gem is still chasing her dream of making it big in America, and her family and friends feel that the last thing she needs is the inevitable drama that comes with dating Arg. They think that it’s just a distraction, keeping Gem from achieving her true potential.”

Both Gemma and Arg have previously discussed their desire to have marriage and babies in their future, with Arg vowing in February that he wanted to lose 7st before the pair got married.

Gemma, who spoke about starting a family with Arg earlier this year, also revealed in 2016 that she tragically suffered a miscarriage at four and a half months in 2012, without knowing she’d been pregnant.

And our source adds that the reality star – who was previously engaged to boyfriend Rami Hawash in 2013 – doesn’t want to waste any more time before achieving her baby dream with Arg, but pals are worried they’ll only end up splitting again.

The source adds, “Gemma’s friends are really worried that getting back together with Arg is just a big mistake and that they’ll never break their toxic relationship patterns. They don’t think he’s ever going to change, and they’re just treading water with each other. They’ve urged Gem to admit defeat, so that she can finally find someone who won’t mess her around, and who can give her the dream of marriage and kids that she so desperately wants.”

Read even more celeb news in this week's Closer magazine - out now.