TOWIE's Arg reveals why he's returned to show six years after shock axe

James Argent details why he is making a highly-anticipated return to TOWIE at Christmas after six years away from the show, following his axe amid substance abuse

James 'Arg' Argent has come a long way since his troubled days tinged with substance abuse on TOWIE. The 36 year old star has made an astonishing turnaround, dropping a colossal 13 stone and battling his inner turmoil through therapy and rehab. He has now found love in the arms of former Miss Sweden, Nicoline Artursson - but he has no plans to have a joint cameo with his new girlfriend during TOWIE's Christmas special where he is making his much-anticipated comeback after six years away in scenes to be aired this month.

In 2019, James was kicked off the ITVBe series after failing a drug test for cocaine as his lifestyle spiralled. At the time, a TOWIE spokesperson told The Mirror, "there are no further plans to film with him at this time."

The following year, James revealed that he had found himself surrounded by paramedics twice in 2019 after locking himself away and taking illegal substances on his own. It was also reported that James had checked himself into rehab in Thailand in 2020.

After his weight had crept up to 27 stone, James then underwent a lifesaving surgical procedure in 2021 to help him lose weight. James has been candid about his struggles with substance abuse, revealing that he was "a heavy user for seven years" and had two near-fatal overdoses at his lowest point.

He also faced a battle with obesity, peaking at a life-threatening 26st 13lb, which once left him unable to tie his shoelaces. Following gastric sleeve surgery in 2021, James sought help from various fitness and rehab facilities to prevent any relapse.

Speculation about James and Nicoline's romance began in September when they were seen sharing a kiss in Saint-Tropez. They made their relationship Instagram official shortly after, with James posting, "I honestly started to think that it might not happen for me but I found you and everything changed! " alongside a cosy snapshot of the couple.

Nicoline has since been welcomed into the TOWIE fold, too, reportedly meeting all Arg’s pals, including Mark Wright, 37, and Joey Essex, 34.

After a six-year hiatus, James is now set to make an appearance on TOWIE for the festive special and the spin-off, which is set to air just before Christmas Day, sees Arg looking happier and healthier than ever. But Arg insists it's just a one-off.

He told OK! it was the perfect opportunity to show people just how far he’s come. He explained: "Towards the end, I was really, really ill. I finished the last series and I went away for months. I went to rehab to get better. It’s really nice, the fact that all these years later, I’ve got myself in a good position where I’m clean, sober, happy and healthy.

"It’s important not to forget where you’ve come from. TOWIE has given me so many amazing opportunities. It’s just a one-off. I perform with my Arg Band. It was a nice moment – seeing how far I’ve come – to go back to the place that kick-started everything."

So while a TOWIE return may not be on the cards, a reality show is reportedly not fully off the cards. Arg added: "You never know. If we were to get engaged or start a family then we may do something. There’s always a possibility."