James Argent buys dream home after turning life around with weight loss and sobriety

The reality star proudly posed in front of the home he thought he would ‘never’ own as he celebrated turning another year older – two years after drug induced near-death experiences

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Slimmed-down James Argent parties on a boat with pals in Spain

James ‘Arg’ Argent has proudly shown off the home he thought he would ‘never be able to get’ as he celebrated turning another year older.

The former The Only Way Is Essex star turned 34-years-old on Sunday and was clearly in good spirits as he celebrated his life successes, accomplishments and changes.

Arg took to Instagram to mark his big day – and shared a snap of himself sat on a bench outside his home while flashing a huge smile.

The reality star looked beaming as he shared his birthday message – looking a world apart from the man he was a year ago following an incredible 11st weight loss.

Uploading the snap to his main feed, Arg wrote: “THE BIRTHDAY BOY! I can’t actually believe that I’m 34 today!

“I want to thank everyone for there love & support. I continuously get stopped in the street with people saying ‘keep going Arg’ & ‘You’ve got this’.

“I’ve been through a hell of a lot but I’m so lucky to have so many people behind me & that believe in me.”

He continued: “I’ve got lots to be proud of. My weight loss, My beloved @theargband & the house that I always dreamed of buying but never thought I’d be able to get.”

And looking towards his next year, Arg added: “Hopefully in 2022 I’ll meet the love of my life but most importantly stay happy & healthy! Love Always, Arg.”

Friends, fans, followers and fellow reality stars were quick to send words of encouragement and congratulations to Arg – including fellow ex-Towie star Charlie King who wrote: “The only way has been up up up! Happy birthday James. 2022 is yours man.”

Earlier this year James underwent surgery to have a gastric sleeve inserted after his weight ballooned to a dangerous 27 stone.

The star has been wowing fans in the subsequent months as he has shed the lbs and has looked healthier and happier than he has in years.

Last year it was revealed Arg had experienced two near death experiences as his life spiralled dangerously out of control due to drug addiction.

Then-girlfriend Gemma Collins saved his life as she called emergency services during one of the incidents after Arg locked himself in his own home and binged on drugs.

Police and paramedics broke down the door and managed to help Arg – before declaring him fit enough to be looked after by his parents.

However things took a dangerous turn just two months later.

He explained last year: “It was the night before my birthday and I said to myself, ‘Right, ‘I’m not going to do drugs tonight because I want to see my family on my birthday and spend time with Gemma’.

“But my addiction was so bad I couldn’t stop myself. I started early and was in a terrible place. I locked myself in, phone was off and my parents and friends were banging on the door again.

“Gemma called the ambulance and they broke through the door and did all the checks on me and this time they said, ‘There’s absolutely no way you’re staying here’.

“They said, ‘You’ve done so much and your heart is so f***** you could die. You have to come to hospital.’ I’ll never forget being in the ambulance with my poor mum.”