James Lock thinks gyms need to stay open for the sake of people's mental health.
James Lock
The 'TOWIE' star thinks taking fitness facilities away due to the coronavirus pandemic has to be weighed up against the support they can give during such a difficult time.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "People's safety comes above everything else. That means financially - anything, you have to put your health first.
"But mental health is a big, massive thing in society in general before this pandemic hit us. Saying we can go to work, but at the same time we can't go to the gym.
"There's certain things I do agree with, but with the gym stuff that is keeping me sane... That's very personal. Without that - that keeps me sane, that helps me with my mental health.
"Without that, it'd be a difficult time for me. I'd struggle again, going into another lockdown."
James has clashed with fellow reality star Pete Wicks in filming for Jose Cuervo's new campaign - which sees the pair become Mexican Lucha Libre wrestlers for the tequila brand's latest ad - and he couldn't resist a cheeky dig.
He added: "At the minute they're talking about shutting gyms, and I think that'd be a massive no. Going to the gym keeps me sane.
"Not having the gym - Pete just likes walking his dogs and rescuing baby seals and stuff. [laughs]"
Pete - who is living alone - admitted his dogs have been a "godsend" during lockdown, and he was delighted with the new campaign to give him another pandemic lift.
He laughed: "Tequila is actually one of my favourite drinks, and I'm not just saying that. If it's wet I'll drink it, but tequila is genuinely my favourite drink.
"When they asked us to do it, I was over the moon. And Lockie has just always wanted to give me a smack, so it works out quite well for both of us. Win, win!"
Fans will be able to follow James and Pete’s Cuevo Libre journey on the Jose Cuervo Instagram channel.