Is James 'Arg' Argent Leaving TOWIE?

It’s pretty hard to keep up with the comings and goings of the TOWIE cast right now, isn’t it? One minute they’re lurking around Basildon like a bad smell, the next – kapoosh – they’ve launched a capsule collection with a ‘funky’ online retailer and they’ve swapped Brentwood for London Fields.

One old reliable that we can ALWAYS count on remaining in Essex is, of course, James Argent – OR SO WE THOUGHT.

As we all know by now, James’ problems with addiction have led to him getting suspended from the show for months at a time while he sorts himself out. However, The Sun reported today that whilst Arg was due to return to the show for the final episodes this season, he was recently told not to come back.

According to the paper, show bosses are thinking about an indefinite suspension for the star.

Say it isn’t so!

A source said: “Arg loves Towie and was hoping he would make a cameo in the final few episodes of the series.

“But bosses believe after a lengthy stint in a rehab, being rushed back into the fold would not be in the best interests of Arg and other cast members.

“He was also told a full-time return is unlikely, unless there was a dramatic improvement in his lifestyle.”

But fear not Arg enthusiasts – this isn’t the full story. A spokesperson for ITVBe seemed to be a lot less ‘doom and gloom’ about James’ time away from the show and expressed how pleased they were with his progress. Speaking to reporters, the channel said: “We are pleased that James is home and that he’s made such positive progress.

“However, we have mutually agreed that he should take some further time before he returns to TOWIE fully.”

Now – we’re reading that as ‘Arg is having a bit more time off than we previously envisaged, but he’ll be back to the show soon’, right?

RIGHT?

Not only that, but James himself said yesterday that the rumours he’d been axed were a load of rubbish, posting on Twitter: ‘I definitely haven’t been axed & I’m incredibly grateful to my @OnlyWayIsEssex @ITVBe Family’s who have continued to support me!#BeBackSoon’.

Phew- we were starting to get worried there.