James Argent struggled to lift dance partner Anthea Turner during The Real Dirty Dancing rehearsals after he had major surgery.
The TOWIE star had a gastric sleeve fitted, which saw him drop from 27 stone to 14.5 stone.
But during rehearsals for the new Channel 4 show he struggled to lift dance partner Anthea Turner.
A nervous-looking Arg said: "At the moment it's hard enough picking up these moves, these dance steps, the lift I don't even want to think about."
Anthea agreed, admitting: "Everything hangs on the lift, it scares the life out of me."
James continued: "There are concerns with the lift. Even though I'm a big guy, I've had major surgery and it's only been a few months since."
He began filming the reality show just months after he had 70 per cent of his stomach removed in the £10,000 operation.
The 34-year-old said: "'I've been through an awful lot, a few months ago it was a struggle to walk to the top of the stairs or to even have a small stroll."
"It's a lot of strength that you need to be able to lift someone above your head, hold them there for a few seconds and then controlled descent,"
Anthea said: "There is a concern with Arg that although he's lost so much weight he hasn't been able to build that muscle up."
In the end the pair decided to let two other contestants help to lift Anthea, and Arg explained: "As much as the dream would be to do the lift, we don't feel comfortable and it's taking up too much time and too much of our mental capacity."
Arg was pipped to the post by Blue singer Lee and social media star Saffron Barker won Tuesday night's show after they impressed viewers with their moves.
James revealed that he has a crush on former Blue Peter host Anthea after they performed the famous bump-and-grind scene.
"Me and her together in a perfect match and combination," James grinned.
Fans were so proud of the couple when Arg performed the very nearly perfect routine.
'Screamed with so much happiness when Arg and Anthea nailed the life,' tweeted one.
"Arg was literally having the Time of His Life," another wrote.
The reality star said the dance show came at a "real turning point" in his life.
James recently let slip the name of Mark Wright's nephew in an accidental slip.
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Under the picture, he wrote: "The first time I met and laid my eyes on baby Joshua James Angelo Wright, I instantly fell in love.
"So pleased for my dear friends @joshwright4444 @holliekanewright. They are going to be amazing parents. #UncleArg."
After realising he had revealed the name before his parents had the chance, he quickly deleted the post before editing out the name.
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