Lydia Bright reveals she’s ‘happy’ for ex James ‘Arg’ Argent finding love with Victoria Winterford as she opens up about her new relationship
The former Towie star, who is now dating her first-ever boyfriend, says she wants to see Arg meet someone and settle down
YOU pack a mean punch, Lydia! Which celebrity would you like to get in the ring?
There aren’t any who I don’t get on with. I’ll go for Anthony Joshua because he’s really fit!
Are you into boxing?
I’m super into fitness, and boxing is something I’d like to do more. I’ve been a gym bunny since my late teens when dance classes fell by the wayside.
Dancing gave me an athletic frame, but I didn’t grow boobs until my late teens, which affected my confidence a bit. At 16 I wanted a boob job but luckily Mum talked me out of it.
How body-confident are you now?
Very. I’ve always had slim limbs, but I have to work at my stomach and I’m happy with it now.
When I cut out alcohol and eat little-and-often protein-rich meals I can strip the fat off my abs.
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You’ve taken part in Channel 4’s The Jump and The Island With Bear Grylls. Which was tougher?
The Jump was mentally harder because I was so scared of hurting myself or breaking a bone.
Physically, my body really took a hit on The Island – I lost 1.5st. But it took me just two weeks to put the weight back on. That fortnight was incredible – I could eat whatever I wanted. And I did!
Why have you left Towie after seven years on the ITVBe reality show?
My time had come to an end. Since The Island last February, I’d taken so much time off the show to do other work. I was in the background, and it felt right to go.
Your ex, James “Arg” Argent, is returning to Towie after a seven-month break and a stint in rehab. Is he one of the reasons behind you leaving?
I didn’t know James was returning, and when I heard, I called him to say: “I want you to know that was not my reason for going.” We’re on civil terms now.
BTW
- Repulsed by the smell inside her boxing gloves, Lydia likened it to something unprintable!
- She drove her new Mercedes to the boxing club from her home in Essex.
- Her parents Debbie and Dave have fostered more than 250 children in 25 years.
Have you felt attracted to Arg since his weight loss?
I was never with James because of the way he looked. I was with him at his heaviest and his smallest. When I got back with him, he was 18st.
We were together because I loved him as a person, so it changes nothing in my head.
How do you feel about his new romance with personal trainer Victoria Winterford?
I’m happy. I was over James when I broke up with him, but it took him a lot longer to get over me, maybe because I instigated the break-up. He’s nearly 30 – I want him to meet someone and settle down.
What’s going on in your love life?
I’m dating someone I’ve known for years – my first-ever boyfriend. He’s stayed my friend but he’s always made his feelings known. He’s living abroad until November so I hope we’ll make a better go of things when he’s back.
So what’s next for you?
I’m planning pop-up stores for my online boutique Bella Sorella, Mum and I are in talks with Barnardo’s to further our fostering campaigning, and I really want to move into documentaries. I believe if you push for your dreams long enough, eventually they’ll happen.
Live, Laugh, Love, Always, Lydia by Lydia Bright (£16.99, Orion) is out now.