Arg's name is synonymous with TOWIE, having risen to fame on the reality show nearly 15 years ago. And fans were overjoyed to hear that James ‘Arg’ Argent will return to the show this year – the first time since he quit in 2018.
Arg, who turns 37 this week, was pictured grinning with pals James ‘Diags’ Bennewith and Dan Edgar – who are two of the only OGs remaining on the show since Arg’s time – as they went tree shopping while filming the TOWIE Christmas special.
And insiders say that Arg and the producers had such a great time filming that they’re hoping to get him back on the show for good.
A source says, ‘TOWIE producers wanted a few golden oldies to make this year’s Christmas episode feel extra special. It was Diags who convinced him to return, and everyone had such a laugh filming. Arg loved it – he hadn’t realised how much he’d missed it and he loved being around familiar faces and some new. He felt really at home.
‘Producers are desperately hoping to convince Arg to come back for good – he’s a firm fan favourite and everyone loves him.'
Arg was one of the show’s longest-serving stars before his departure and was embroiled in a number of dramatic storylines, including his long-running romance with Lydia Bright, his bromance with Essex ladies’ man Mark Wright and his explosive on/off relationship with his ex, Gemma Collins.
Arg has also struggled with drug, alcohol and food addictions over the years, seeking help in rehab in 2019 and then again in 2020. He’s now been clean for two years and lost 14st after a gastric band op, admitting this year that he ‘didn’t recognise’ his former self.
Arg – who also fronts a successful swing band, ‘The Arg Band’ – is now loved-up with Swedish beauty queen Nicoline Artursson, who he began dating in the summer.
The source adds, ‘Arg is in a great place at the moment. He’s got clean, focused on himself and his singing career, and he’s thriving. So now is the perfect time for him to make a return to his Essex roots.
‘TOWIE producers would love to film his proposal to Nicoline, and even their wedding. They’re throwing some tempting money offers about. It’s a case of wait and see.’
