TOWIE’S ARG IS BACK IN REHAB Depressed reality star in Thai clinic after booze binges
TROUBLED TOWIE star James “Arg” Argent is in rehab in Thailand.
James, 29, was treated at an addiction centre in the UK three years ago for alleged drink and drugs abuse and decided to get fresh help over Christmas.
James had been battling a weight problem and his partying habits but is believed to be making progress. A source said: “He’s been very courageous and taken the step to seek out help. He’s taken the decision alone.
“He really struggles with discipline. He struggles to keep his weight down, he gets really tired, then drinks a lot and overeats.
“He gets into this cycle of depression. But he doesn’t want to keep leaning on other people – he wants to sort things out himself.”
James has been missing during filming of the current series of the reality show set in Essex.
Rumours began that he had taken time out to “get stronger”. The new series returns next Sunday with a longer run. Producers are keeping the door open for James to return.
He also missed the final episodes of the last series and the show’s Christmas specials.
East London-born James was suspended from TOWIE in December 2014 amid rumours of drug and alcohol abuse.
It was claimed bosses had grown tired of his poor timekeeping.
He spent his 27th birthday and Christmas Day 2014 at The Priory near London, a favourite rehab facility for celebrities, and lost a stone and a half. In February 2015, he recalled: “I was badly depressed. I was anxious and tired.”
He revealed he stopped answering the door and was eventually driven to the clinic by his father.
James blamed depression for his split last May with Lydia Bright, who is currently starring in Channel 4 series The Jump.
They briefly reunited during TOWIE filming in Marbella, Spain, last September.
But another ex, Gemma Collins, is set to reveal that she too bedded him during the new series.