We were already over the moon that the TOWIE Christmas special is finally returning to our screens after three years away, but we’re more excited than ever now it’s been revealed that an Essex OG is also making a comeback after vowing to never return to the show.
We’re talking about the one and only James ‘Arg’ Argent who has been spotted filming the Christmas episode in Wickford, Essex alongside pals Dan Edgar and James ‘Diags’ Bennewith.
Diags and Dan looked chuffed to bits to be reunited with Arg on-screen as they picked out their Christmas tree at Hurley’s Christmas Tree Farm.
Arg, who is currently loved up with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson, even donned a Santa hat for the special occasion as he helped Dan chop down the tree and put it in the back of Diags’ van.
In true Arg fashion, the reality TV star was full of banter and laughs as he made his first TOWIE appearance in six years and posed for a selfie with his friends.
Although we can’t wait to see Arg back on our telly boxes again, his festive appearance comes only just months after he vowed to never return to the show. We wonder what changed his mind?
Earlier this year, he said, ‘If I’m being honest, I would never go back. I gave my whole life to it, from my family relationships to my friendships, to girlfriends, to breaking up, to banter with the boys, to my singing and performances. You saw me grow up on there.
‘I feel like I’ve done absolutely everything that there was to do on TOWIE. I’ve ticked every single box and I’ve got very fond memories. I’m fortunate that I’m no longer ‘Arg from TOWIE’ and I’ve been able to become James Argent in my own right – I’m a wedding singer now.’
Arg added, ‘But, who knows? Maybe if TOWIE ever comes to an end, I’ll come back for a cameo and perform with my band on the last episode. A cameo will do. But I’m finally doing what I’ve always wanted to do.’
Fear not though, TOWIE fans. Arg’s comeback doesn’t mean the show is ending as it’s been reported that the cast are heading back to Bali next year for series 25. Phew.
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Nathan Katnoria is Closer's Senior Digital Writer and resident TOWIE expert. He's seen all 34 (thirty four!!) series of the ITVBe show and regularly reminisces about forgotten TOWIE romances from years gone by. Although he's never been to Brentwood, Nathan has interviewed loads of TOWIE faves past and present including Sam Faiers, Chloe Brockett, Diags and Georgia Kousoulou.