Jump directly to the content
Exclusive
'ITS BEEN HARD'

Mark Wright is supporting James Argent ‘get back to his best’ as he struggles to adapt after rehab

MARK Wright is supporting his best friend James Argent "get back to his best" as he struggles to adapt after rehab.

The Sun Online can reveal Mark reached out to help 32-year-old Arg when he returned to the UK last week after spending months in a Thailand retreat.

 James Argent with best pal Mark Wright
6
James Argent with best pal Mark WrightCredit: Instagram

The former Towie co-stars, who have been pals since school, have always turned to each other in the tough times - and Arg has been leaning on Mark in recent months .

A pal told us: “Mark was straight on the phone to James to make sure he is OK.

"They’ve spoken a lot and James knows that Mark is there for him. Michelle will be too. They both think the world of him and want him to get back to his very best.”

The friend said that James has admitted he's found his first week back in the UK "a bit of a head-f***."

 The 32-year-old has just returned back from rehab in Thailand
6
 The 32-year-old has just returned back from rehab in ThailandCredit: Colin Jack
 Mark has returned back to live full-time in Essex after working in Hollywood
6
Mark has returned back to live full-time in Essex after working in HollywoodCredit: Instagram

He added: “It’s weird. James was looking forward to coming back then just getting home last week from Thailand was a nightmare because of all the travel delays.

“Then when he gets back he can’t go anywhere or see anyone because of the lock-down.

" It’s been hard and a bit of a head f*** but in many ways James is used to it more than most of us as he has spent the last few months of his life living that way.

"He is looking to the positive and making sure he gets plenty of rest, eats right and does a bit of exercise everyday. James is absolutely determined not to fall down again and use his trigger as a force for good.

"He looks great, he is happy and healthy - and feels back to his best.”

 James with girlfriend Gemma who has also remained by his side
6
James with girlfriend Gemma who has also remained by his sideCredit: Refer to Caption
 James and Mark launched their careers on Towie
6
James and Mark launched their careers on TowieCredit: Rex Features
 They've remained close friends ever since
6
They've remained close friends ever sinceCredit: Rex Features

James’ girlfriend Gemma Collins has also been rallying round to support him. The source added: “Gemma is just happy to have James back and can’t wait for things to get back to normal so they can spend some time together.”

A slimmed-down James yesterday appeared to ignore social distancing rules after being spotted for the first time since his rehab stint.

The Towie star, 32, looked happy wearing tracksuit bottoms and a jumper as he drove a pal on his moped while out and about in Essex a day before lockdown came into effect.

Arg sparked concern amongst friends, family and girlfriend last year when he was rushed to hospital for the second time in two months.

He soon after left for the £20,000-a-month rehab n a bid to clean up his act.

Michelle Keegan chats to This Morning from her bedroom in the home she shares with husband Mark Wright
Topics