James Argent on his transformation: “It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I realised I needed to do it”

Fans of The Only Way Is Essex will have noticed how amazing James Argent looks recently, but his transformation hasn’t come without its struggles.

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by Jack White |
Published on

The 27-year-old has confessed that it wasn’t until he’d almost lost everything that he realised he needed help.

After losing long-term love Lydia Bright, 25, and being suspended from TOWIE, Arg spent Christmas 2014 in rehab.

Appearing on This Morning today [27 March], Arg said: “I had a lot of support from friends and family and the show itself however it was my own decision to get help.

Arg appeared on This Morning with close friend and co-star Jessica Wright
Arg appeared on This Morning with close friend and co-star Jessica Wright

“I spent my 27th birthday and I spent Christmas Day in there. It’s pretty serious stuff, but it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. But it wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I realised I needed to do it.”

Despite the fact Arg’s bad lifestyle became too much for Lydia to deal with, she still supported him as he sought help.

Arg continued: “Lydia was amazing – she really wanted me to get help and treatment. She kept coming to visit me and for an ex-girlfriend to do as much as she has done, it’s meant a lot.

“I’m in a much happier place, I’m back on TOWIE and I’ve got my spark back.”

Close friend Jessica Wright, who appeared on the show with Arg, added: “It was horrible because I felt like he wasn’t being himself… he wasn’t reacting to anything in the way he used to.

“So I can’t believe that he made the decision to go and he did it and got through it over Christmas. I think that’s so admirable and I think it could be the making of him again if you like. I’m just so proud of him, he looks so handsome!”

From Essex glamour to understated chic: the TOWIE girls' transformations

Gallery

From Essex glamour to understated chic: TOWIE makeovers

Lauren Pope1 of 9

Lauren Pope

Wow – is this even the same person? These days stylish Lauren is a far cry from her perma-tanned former self.

Lucy Mecklenburgh2 of 9

Lucy Mecklenburgh

Gone is the big hair and the orange tan, and these days Lucy oozes sophistication.

Lauren Goodger3 of 9

Lauren Goodger

Apart from the darker hair and plumper lips, Lauren hasn't changed much. Her love for selfies has defintiely grown considerably, though.

Sam Faiers4 of 9

Sam Faiers

What's the betting fashionable Sam wouldn't be caught dead in that 'Essex' necklace these days?

Amy Childs5 of 9

Amy Childs

What a difference four years makes! Businesswoman Amy has toned her whole look down and looks fabulous for it!

Jessica Wright6 of 9

Jessica Wright

Mark's big sister's motto must have been 'less is more'. But these days she's sexy without flashing too much flesh.

Billie Faiers7 of 9

Billie Faiers

Yummy mummy Billie rarely puts a foot wrong nowadays and we much prefer her as a blonde.

Lydia Bright8 of 9

Lydia Bright

Ultra chic Lydia is arguably one of the trendiest TOWIE girls now, but it hasn't always been that way...

Maria Fowler9 of 9

Maria Fowler

Just like Popey, Maria is almost unrecognisable! The red hair is much more flattering on her skin tone.

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