James Argent is all smiles at Elliott Wright’s Marbella restaurant as Gemma Collins wears a minidress back in Essex

JAMES Argent was all smiles as he arrived at pal’s Elliott Wright’s Marbella restaurant while ex Gemma Collins stayed back in Essex. 

The 32-year-old reality star was in high spirits after The Sun Online revealed that Gemma had cancelled her own event in the Spanish city to avoid seeing him.

Arg looked showed off an impressive tan as he posed next to long-time pal, Elliott at the latter's restaurant Olivia's La Cala.

The GC had been due to be appear at Mark Wright's cousin Elliott's bar in the town as part of a Diva Night – but told fans earlier this week that she would no longer be there.

Arg had told pals he was planning to fly to the Spanish party hot spot of Marbella to surprise Gemma and convince her to give him another go.

But after hearing about his plot, she cancelled her trip and decided to stay at home - blaming it on travel restrictions despite flying to Tenerife last week.

Despite missing out on the holiday Gemma appeared in good spirits as she was seen out and about wearing a short summer dress.

The blonde beauty flashed a huge grin while out for a three hour lunch at The Pig and Whistle Restaurant in Chelmsford, Essex, with her family.

Gemma announced on Instagram that she'd been forced to cancel her holiday, citing healthy and safety reasons.

She said: "I am so sorry but due to the latest expected travel advice I am so gutted to not be able to host the evening.

"I have imminent filming commitments and have been advised by health and safety that it would be best to stay in the UK for now.

"I was so excited for this night and I was really looking forward to having a good boogie and a drink!"

Arg's holiday comes days after Gemma took to Instagram to reveal that he'd cruelly branded her a "fat f***" and a "hippo" in a series of furious texts.

She was also heartbroken when he asked if they could have an open relationship after three years of being on/ off, promptly dumping him earlier this month.

Gemma had stuck by Arg throughout his drugs and alcohol battle and was eager for them to start a family together before their split.

But while she’s been unlucky in love, Gem reckons she’s the woman to help other people have romances which stand the test of time.

In an announcement on The Gemma Collins Podcast, she said: “I am going to be bringing you an extra podcast on BBC Sounds.

“It is going to be called Gemma’s Love Lounge.

“You know I love love and I’m so excited to hear about your love lives and see if I can help you out.”

Arg better tune in . . .