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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

James Argent admits gaining 11 stone in 18 months before weight loss and booze relapse

James Argent has declared he's in a 'good place at the moment', just weeks after it was reported he had returned to daily rehab visits.

Earlier this month, the former TOWIE star, 34, was pictured visiting a rehab unit in in Woodford, Essex, after allegedly "hitting a blip" in his ongoing recovery.

The Sun claimed that the star's concerned pal's were forced to call 999 earlier this month, after growing worried when they couldn't get hold of the star.

"He’s hit a bit of a brick wall and crashed and burnt and hit a low. He now needs to take time to just get back to where he was," a source told the publication at the time.

Speaking on Monday morning, James, also known as 'Arg', appeared to be in good spirits - saying everything in his life was 'all positive' at the moment.

The reality TV star - who is currently appearing on E4's The Real Dirty Dancing - popped into Heart Breakfast studios to have a chat with hosts Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden.

Regarding his incredible weight-loss, James admitted he had he gained a huge amount of weight in just 18 months, before undergoing life-changing gastric sleeve surgery.

"I really struggled throughout lockdown and I think I gained something crazy like 11 stone over like a year and a half or something," the Essex native revealed on the airwaves.

James explained how he gained a lot of weight during lockdown (Instagram)

"So I knew that I had to make a big change and I decided to go ahead and get gastric sleeve surgery and it was the best thing I’ve ever done, done a lot of boxing, done a lot of swimming and I’ve lost about 14 stone."

After the studio broke out into applause, Arg joked: "I’ve probably lost more than you Jamie!"

Heart Breakfast's showbiz correspondent Ashley Roberts was also present for the chat on Monday - sharing an anecdote about James from their recent stint in front of the cameras together.

The celebrity line up for The Real Dirty Dancing, including James and Ashley (E4)

"When we were filming [The Real Dirty Dancing] Arg was up going for a swim every morning," the former Pussycat Doll singer explained.

"He just loved it, he’s fully committed to it as well."

"Yeah absolutely and I feel better and it’s all good!" James added when discussing his lifestyle transformation.

Presenter Jamie went on to remark how the reality TV veteran doesn't just "look amazing", but appears to be healthier mentally too.

"Well I think the great thing is that not only do you look amazing, but also you’ve got a massive smile on your face so clearly the two go hand in hand right?" Jamie mused on Monday morning.

The star admitted things were looking positive at the moment (REX)

"As far as your weight is concerned and your mental health I’m guessing," he added.

Replying to the radio host's query, James declared: "Absolutely, I’m in a good place at the moment, I feel fit and strong and yeah it’s all good, it’s all positive!"

*Tune in to Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden weekdays from 06:30 – 10:00.

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