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James Argent says girlfriend Gemma Collins ‘refused to cover up’ his cocaine addiction



James ‘Arg’ Argent has admitted he would “hate” girlfriend Gemma Collins at the height of his cocaine addiction as she “refused to cover up” his drug problems.

The former The Only Way Is Essex star, 32, revealed earlier this week that he has used the drug heavily over the last seven years and that Collins, 39, had to alert the emergency services twice last year after he overdosed while locked in his home.

Argent has since attended a rehab centre in Thailand and is now focusing on his recovery.

Speaking to Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes on This Morning, the reality star said that Collins would “never lie for [him]” about his addiction and “wasn’t an enabler.”


“I really feel for Gemma because she’s had to go through so much,” he said.

Paying tribute: James Argent posted a bizarre Instagram for Gemma Collins

Argent says Collins refused to lie about his cocaine issues (PA)

“When I was deep into my addiction I would hate Gemma.

“I would say, ‘why are you telling my family, why are you telling my friends, why are you telling the bosses of the TV shows? You’re going to ruin my career, I don’t want people knowing.’

“But she refused to cover up for me, she wasn’t an enabler.

“She refused to lie for me, she would never lie for me, she would never cover up. She never wanted to enable me to continue in my addiction.”

“At the time I hated her because I wanted to almost get away with it and be left alone to do what I wanted.”

Argent said Collins was “hard on him” and “gave [him] some tough love,” but admitted: “Thank god she was because if it wasn’t for Gemma calling the ambulances and stuff, to my house, god knows what could have happened.”

The TV personality attended the health centre in Thailand after hitting his lowest ebb over Christmas and speaking to close friend and former TOWIE co-star Mark Wright about the extent of his drug use.

He spent 10 weeks at the resort and is now hoping to emulate other celebrities who have managed to overcome addiction such as Russell Brand and Robbie Williams.

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.

Visit Mind for a list of resources to support those affected by addiction and dependency.



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