Tony Cowell
As one of the first stars to appear in TOWIE, James ‘Arg’ Argent, 30, has battled his way up from rock-bottom, following therapy for anxiety and chronic depression. Now back on screen, the Essex-born charmer explains why he is finally ready to settle down with fellow reality TV star Gemma Collins, 37, and why he wants to be a dad...
You stripped for ITV’s
The Real Full Monty – was that difficult for you?
It was to be honest. All the lads had fit bodies, and I have issues with my own body shape, which I really struggled to overcome. I just didn’t think I could go through with it. In the end, I just thought about my grandad (Seamus) and his own battle with cancer, which he sadly lost. Thinking about him got me through it.
You have been in TOWIE since 2010 – are you surprised the show is still so popular?
When it first started, I thought it would just be a one-off. It was a quick way for me to make a bit of money – I had nothing at the time. I was going nowhere. I desperately wanted a deposit to buy my own place. I was genuinely shocked that people took to the show and it became the start of something.
Did the fame go to your head?
Yeah, it did, because at that time I was going from job to job, I had no real direction in my life – no money and no future. I had only had one girlfriend at the time, who I lost my virginity to. Suddenly, I was getting all this attention and I got caught up in all that, particularly after the first season of TOWIE. I think it took us all by surprise. But I like to think I’m still the same person I was when I first started.
You have had an on-off relationship with Gemma (Collins) – are you definitely back together?
Yes, we are. In the past, I thought we always got on as friends and had a laugh together, and I felt guilty because I might have led her on a bit. But over the past couple of months, we have got very close and she has been very loyal to me. When I’m not with her, all I do is think about her. Now I’m 30, I want to take things to the next stage with her and be more committed. She’s a lovely girl and we are both happy about the way things are going.
What is it about Gemma that you like – is it because she’s such a huge personality?
She’s great fun to be with. I know people think she can be
a bit of a diva, but that’s all part of her personality. I think we bring out the best in each other.
Is it settling down time?
I think so. I’ve had my fair share of fun over the past few years, and Gemma and I keep going back to each other, so I think there is definitely a future there. I feel like I genuinely love her and it’s right we are together as a couple.
What about children – is that part of the plan?
Children are definitely something I want for the future, but I don’t feel as if I’m in any rush. I’ve always imagined having my own kids.
What do your parents think about your new relationship with Gemma?
My family adore her. They think she’s really generous and loyal to me. I’m sure they think she can be a bit dramatic now and then, but they all love her to bits.
What’s your relationship with Lydia (Bright) like – are you guys still close?
I wouldn’t say we are close, but we still have the occasional catch-up. I do still class her as a friend.
You hit rock-bottom in 2014, when you went into rehab – does that seem a long time ago now?
It’s something that will always stay with me. I can’t take my eye off the ball because I don’t want to fall back to where I was. But I am proud of all the obstacles and hurdles in my life that I have been able to overcome, and that hard work is now paying off.
How important were your parents during that time?
They were amazing. They’ve always been so supportive of me. I’m very lucky that I have a strong and loving family.
What is your ambition beyond TOWIE?
I’ve never claimed to be the greatest singer in the world, but I want to carry on singing live. Also, Gemma and I want to do a TV show together in the future.
The Only Way Is Essex
continues on Sunday at 9pm on ITVBe