James 'Arg' Argent has reportedly been dropped from 'The Only Way is Essex'.
James 'Arg' Argent selfie from rehab (c) Instragram
The 29-year-old reality TV star met with bosses on Thursday (21.04.2017) and was reportedly told that he wasn't allowed to return to the current series of the ITVBe show because they were worried it would throw him back off the bandwagon.
A source told The Sun Online: "Arg loves 'TOWIE' and was hoping he would make a cameo in the final few episodes of the series. But bosses believe after a lengthy stint in a rehab, being rushed back into the fold would not be in the best interests of Arg and other cast members. He was also told a full-time return is unlikely unless there was a dramatic improvement in his lifestyle."
Viewers will no doubt be devastated when they hear of the news as the loveable funnyman has appeared on the show for seven years and become a fan favourite.
He was last seen on screens at the end of 2016 and took it upon himself in February to check into a rehab facility in Thailand while his ex-girlfriend Lydia Bright was competing on the winter sports show 'The Jump' in Austria.
His friend Jack Tweedy said: "Arg is really loving it out there. He said he's been doing loads of stuff like Muay Thai boxing, jungle trekking, abseiling down waterfalls and zip lining. He's been eating really healthy food and he's lost more than a stone. Arg is in a really good place at the moment and I hope he keeps it up for his sake and his family's sake."
Although he hasn't been seen on screens, Arg - who was also suspended from the programme in 2014 after testing positive for cocaine - hasn't been forgotten as his name has cropped up in some scenes after Gemma Collins mentioned him.
The show may have lost Arg but they look set to gain a newbie as 'Love Island' winner Cara De La Hoyde is in talks to join as a full-time cast member.
And she'll no doubt be involved in some major storylines as she's just split from her boyfriend Nathan Massey, who she met on the dating show last year.
A source explained: "Cara is expected to sign on the dotted line - she has got lots to say and 'TOWIE' bosses know that fans are really interested in her relationship with Nathan and their split. Everyone is desperate to find out the real reason why she split with Nathan and by joining the show she promises to reveal just that."
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