James Argent: ‘I’m a big guy but I can charm the ladies!’
Tuesday 09 October 2012
Surrounded by an array of female make-up artists, hair stylists and wardrobe assistants on our Rock Of Ages-themed shoot, it’s clear that newly single James “Arg” Argent is lapping up the attention.
Shamelessly flirting, the TOWIE star – whose split from his co-star Gemma Collins, 31, a month ago was only revealed on the show last week – winks at one of the girls and says: “I don’t know if I’d call myself a ladies’ man, but I do love the ladies!”
Then, confidently posing with a microphone to channel Rock Of Ages superstar Stacee Jaxx, played by Tom Cruise in the hit film, Arg adds: “I’d say I’m quite like Stacee. We both like to party, and I feel like I’ve got a similar magnetism with the opposite sex!”
Now he’s back on the market, Closer asks the star if he has any secret moves to woo the ladies. He laughs: “Even though I’m a big guy, I’ve got confidence. Plus, you need to see my moves on the dance floor. Women love a good dancer!
“If I had to post an online dating advert about myself, I’d say I’m a funny, bubbly, cheeky chappy with love handles and lots of fun. Oh, and I’m tall, dark and handsome, too!”
And, asked who his perfect date would be, Arg doesn’t hesitate. “Anne Hathaway!” he laughs. “My ideal woman is someone who looks like her. And someone who speaks very well and is elegant, fun and doesn’t mind me hanging out with my friends a lot.
“I don’t want another Essex girl. I think I’ve had too many of those!”
But Arg – who had a four-year relationship with co-star Lydia Bright, 21, which ended in January, and had been dating Gemma since June – insists he hasn’t been put off on-screen romances.
Arg dated Gemma Collins earlier this year
He says: “I’ve had two relationships on camera because TOWIE is my job, so I think I’d have to have my next relationship on camera too. I’ve been through good times and bad times on the show, but the reason producers love me so much is because I’m the most genuine.”
But he adds: “Although, to be honest, I think a relationship would work better off camera. There’d be less drama!”
And, although he’s enjoying being single, when the right woman comes along he says he can “definitely see myself settling down.”
“I want to be a dad one day,” he adds. “I’m really family orientated and good with kids. I’m still close with Lydia’s foster brothers and sisters. Lydia doesn’t like that and she tells them off, but I can’t help being loveable!”
But Arg says that one TOWIE relationship that has stood the test of time is his friendship with former co-star Mark Wright, 25, who left the show after series three. And he reveals that, despite Mark’s impressive six-pack and good looks, he can still give his pal some stiff competition for female attention.
“Mark’s got the body, but I’ve got the charisma and charm,” he says. “People would be surprised to know that on a night out with Mark, I can definitely keep up with him with the ladies!”
But, even though he insists he’s confident in his own skin, 6ft 2 Arg admits he was left “hurt” and “disappointed” after his exes Gemma and Lydia made fun of his size on a recent episode. He says the nasty comments have motivated him to get back into shape.
“Gemma and Lydia were at Lucy [Mecklenburgh]’s house and they launched into an attack on me, making fun of my size and saying I was fat and ugly,” says Arg.
“I can’t lie, it did hurt. I’ve been really mature during my break-up with Gemma and I was disappointed with her. And I was shocked Lydia was nasty about me. I thought we’d moved past that stage. But it’s a good thing, because it shows she’s still not over me if she can get that worked up.
“I’m focused on getting in shape now and their comments have spurred me on,” he adds. “I’m 17st now and I want to be around 15st.”
And proving that he’s dedicated to his new healthy lifestyle, Arg shuns the toast and bacon sandwiches on offer at the photo shoot in favour of a healthy breakfast of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.
He adds: “I’m working out five times a week for an hour with Mark. He’s got a great body, so it’s a good lead to follow. I’m going to get in shape this time for definite. No slacking now!”
By Katherine Romero
Rock Of Ages starring Tom Cruise,Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Akerman, Diego Boneta, Chantelle Hough, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand is out on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download from 8 October
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