Gemma Collins secret wedding shock

As James ‘Arg’ Argent tells friends he’s about to propose to Gemma Collins, she is thrilled to finally get her happily ever after – even if it means forfeiting her dream big day.

They’ve endured a roller coaster relationship, which has seen them split up several times over the past eight years – but James “Arg” Argent has reportedly told friends he’s now ready to marry his “soulmate”, Gemma Collins.

The former TOWIE star is coming to the end of a three-month rehab stint in Thailand, after a brief return to the UK last month. He will be back in Essex for good in the coming weeks, having completed his rehabilitation course for drug and alcohol addiction.

And insiders say he has only one thing on his mind – putting a ring on Gemma’s finger.

Last week, Gemma, 37 – who looked sensational during a sunshine break to Dubai with friends, while showing off her 3st weight loss – dropped a hint to hurry him along.

Posting on Instagram, she wrote, “Did someone say leap year? This day doesn’t come for another four years, so let’s make it count”, in a nod to the tradition of a woman proposing to a man on 29 February.

A source says, “Arg has been in the biggest fight of his life, but he is doing so well. That’s largely due to the fact he’s been getting support from Gemma every step of the way. She is in constant touch with him and they just can’t wait to see each other again.

“The way she has stood by him through all of this has only strengthened his love for her, and he is more certain than ever that he wants to be with her forever. Arg knows that Gemma was hinting at a proposal with her Instagram post and that she wants a family more than anything – and that’s what he wants with her, too.”

Arg, 31 – who tipped the scales at 23.5st last year during the height of his addiction – posted a gushing tribute to Gemma from his Thailand retreat on Valentine’s Day, saying, “I’m so lucky to have a one in a million and very special girlfriend like you. You’ve stuck by me through my best and worst times.

"You love me just as much when I am obese as when I am skinny. Your loyalty and support means everything. I’m gonna make it up to you and turn things around. I’ll be the best partner I can be. Love you always, Arg.”

And friends say that while Gemma – known for her diva alter ego “The GC” – and Arg have discussed their future plans for when he leaves his retreat, she is being “deeply sensitive” to his recovery. Friends were shocked that she won’t be pushing on her previous plans for a big wedding and would be happy eloping and having a quieter ceremony.

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The source says, “Of course Gemma would like a big ‘look at me’ wedding. After all, she is The GC. But when it comes to it, all she really wants is for her baby dream to come true and to be a wife by the time she’s 40.

"She also knows that dream might never come true if Arg feels like he’s under pressure, as it could all become too much for him and make him unwell again.

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“She believes the best way is to take the pressure off by just eloping or have a low-key ceremony instead – at least for the time being. She says they can always have a big bash when he’s truly better and won’t be tortured by being in a party environment.

"She has even suggested they do it more secretly in Thailand. He feels happier and more relaxed when he’s out there, so it’ll give their marriage a good start.”

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In February, Gemma was pictured trying on a £1,650 wedding dress in Essex, and on The Gemma Collins Podcast, she said, “I’m more confident than ever that I’ll get married and have a baby.”

Arg previously told Closer he had his heart set on a ceremony in Marbella, while Gemma recently said she would like to have “a big wedding” at the Dorchester hotel in London, adding, “But until I get a big £250k or a half-a-million yellow diamond, I ain’t settling with anybody!”

Now, friends say she has had a change of heart.

“For Gemma, getting married is something she has dreamed of all her life – she loves the idea of having her Prince Charming. And she truly believes Arg is The One.

“It hasn’t always been easy with him. There have been a lot of tears at times. But Gemma insists that if something is worth crying over, it’s worth fighting for. She may have this public persona as a loudmouthed, sassy diva, but really, Gem is someone who just wants to be loved and to have her happy ever after.

“Arg is someone who can give that to her. He knows he is probably on his last chance with Gemma and he has no intention of messing things up. He’s coming back from Thailand as a new man and the distance between them has really rekindled their love for each other. They can’t wait to make their love official – finally!”

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