Towie’s James ‘Arg’ Argent brags he and Gemma Collins are ‘going strong’ – before getting touchy-feely with Chloe Lewis
JAMES Argent bragged about the strength of his relationship with Gemma Collins at a swanky Towie launch party - before getting a scolding for being too touchy-feely with Chloe Lewis.
Arg, 30, gave the strongest hint yet that he and GC are official by telling partygoers at Sheesh restaurant, where the cast were celebrating Towie's return this weekend, that they were "going strong".
The pair were also seen holding hands in a preview of the new series screened at the event.
But with Gemma, 37, unable to keep an eye on him after she skipped the exclusive bash, Arg got carried away as he mingled with glamorous co-star Chloe, 27, at a champagne reception.
A party insider said: "Arg came to say hello to Chloe and was a bit too overly-friendly.
"She told the people they were standing with that Arg touched her bum and warned him he wasn't allowed to do that.
"Chloe didn't seem upset or offended and she gave Arg a proper hug afterwards.
"But if Gemma had seen him get that close to another girl there could have been fireworks."
Arg has claimed that he and Gemma have "the greatest Towie love story".
Keeping coy on their romance, he teased: "I'm sure it will be a rollercoaster as per usual, but the plan is for us to run smoothly and for us to see how our relationship unfolds.
"Our current relationship is happy, close but still up in the air."
Gemma was the only cast member missing from Monday's huge event.
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A TV insider said: "Gemma’s absence was the talk of the party – everyone wanted to know where she was.
“It’s known that Gemma can be a bit of a diva and isn’t the best at time keeping but producers were offended by her not showing up entirely. She's a big character on the show and they would have liked her there."
Towie returns to ITVBe with a Barcelona special on Sunday at 9pm.