James Argent looks downcast as he feeds ducks with Nando’s pitta bread in first outing since the slimmed-down star’s worried friends called an ambulance after he ‘hit a blip’
James Argent was pictured for the first time on Saturday since an ambulance was called to his house after he relapsed following two previous drug overdoses.
The slimmed-down TOWIE star, 34, looked downcast as he used a Nando’s pitta bread to feed the ducks at an Essex pond after arriving there via taxi.
He wrapped up in a navy padded jacket which he teamed up with a pair of faded jeans while completing his outfit with white trainers and a dazzling silver watch.
Emerging: James Argent was pictured for the first time on Saturday since an ambulance was called to his house after he relapsed following two previous drug overdoses
The TV personality was visited by paramedics this week after concerned friends called an ambulance for him on Wednesday.
The alarm was reportedly raised when the reality star was not answering his phone ‘after hitting a blip in his recovery’.
A source told MailOnline that James is ‘fine’ despite the scare, and did not require hospital treatment.
An insider told The Sun: ‘James has been doing so well, but the drastic change to his lifestyle has had pressures of its own and can be tough.
Outing: The slimmed-down TOWIE star, 34, looked downcast as he used a Nando’s pitta bread to feed the ducks at an Essex pond after arriving there via taxi
Looking good: He wrapped up in a navy padded jacket which he teamed up with a pair of faded jeans
Trendy: The influencer completed his outfit with white trainers and a dazzling silver watch
Before and after: Last year, James’ weight ballooned to 27 stone after he replaced his cocaine habit with unhealthy eating (pictured before left)
‘Unfortunately it happened on a day when he was feeling low and an ambulance had to be called.
‘He is changing his number again and is now focusing on surrounding himself with the right people who support him in his new healthy lifestyle.’
MailOnline contacted James’ representatives for comment at the time.
James had last been seen in public on Tuesday when he attended a boxing session with close friend and former TOWIE co-star Ferne McCann in Ilford.
Uh oh: The TV personality was visited by paramedics this week after concerned friends called an ambulance for him on Wednesday
Scary: The alarm was reportedly raised when the reality star was not answering his phone ‘after hitting a blip in his recovery’
Phew: A source told MailOnline that James is ‘fine’ despite the scare, and did not require hospital treatment
Understandable: An insider said: ‘James has been doing so well, but the drastic change to his lifestyle has had pressures of its own and can be tough’
In 2019 James was hospitalised twice after overdosing on drugs at his home.
The scare was said to a ‘wake-up call’ to James who then ‘accepted he needs professional help’.
Arg has battled drink and drug addiction since finding fame on TOWIE and in 2014 he was suspended from the show after he failed a routine drugs test.
The TV star spent three months in a facility in Thailand over the festive season in 2016 in order to get the ‘ongoing support’ he needed.
Receiving help: ‘Unfortunately it happened on a day when he was feeling low and an ambulance had to be called’
Hooray! ‘He is changing his number again and is now focusing on surrounding himself with the right people who support him in his new healthy lifestyle’
Oh no: In 2019 James was hospitalised twice after overdosing on drugs at his home
Indeed: The scare was said to a ‘wake-up call’ to James who then ‘accepted he needs professional help’
In August 2019, Arg returned to rehab following a split from Gemma Collins in a bid to tackle his demons.
He completed a third stint in treatment in 2020 prior to undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
Last year, James’ weight ballooned to 27 stone after he replaced his cocaine habit with unhealthy eating.
He has since lost a staggering 13 stone after surgery saw 70 percent of his stomach removed in the £10,000 operation.
Tragic: Arg has battled drink and drug addiction since finding fame on TOWIE and in 2014 he was suspended from the show after he failed a routine drugs test
On the mend: The TV star spent three months in a facility in Thailand over the festive season in 2016 in order to get the ‘ongoing support’ he needed
Worrying: In August 2019, Arg returned to rehab following a split from Gemma Collins in a bid to tackle his demons
In January, Arg reflected on his drug recovery as he reached out to any followers who may be struggling.
He shared a video explaining: ‘The festive season can be really hard for struggling addicts. I know because I’ve been there myself. And even to this day, I’m still in regular therapy, counseling, aftercare with the guys at Verve Health. They’ve really helped me.’
He added in the caption: ‘During the holiday season, Suffering addicts may have found it even more difficult to cope. Which is why it’s important to never suffer in silence. There is so much help out there and you can & will recover.
‘The most important step is the first step, Picking up the phone and letting @vervehealthrehabs help you. They are leading addiction experts & know what to do in all circumstances, However bad things have gotten. Never believe that your past help, there is no such thing. You can get help today!’
James previously revealed during the height of his past cocaine addiction, he was locking himself in his house, in darkness, for two to three days straight.
The reality star broke down in tears during an appearance on Loose Women as he listened to his mother discuss his past battle and said the best way he can ‘make amends’ is by ‘staying clean and sober’.
James said: ‘I was the biggest I’d ever been, 23 and a half stone, I hated everything about myself, all time low.
‘I remember around that period, I was using drugs for like two or three days straight in my house, I had locked myself in and it was pitch black in the house.’
For confidential help and support call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
Help: He completed a third stint in treatment in 2020 prior to undergoing gastric bypass surgery
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