Keith Lemon has given a health update on James Argent after paramedics were called to the reality TV star’s home earlier this month.
In an appearance on Channel 4 ’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, the 48-year-old, whose real name is Leigh Francis, said he had spoken to Mark Wright about the former TOWIE star over the weekend.
Keith had mentioned Arg’s appearance on his new dancing show The Real Dirty Dancing, which airs tonight at 9pm on E4 and sees eight celebrities immerse themselves in the experience of the classic 1987 rom-com.
As one of the celebrities featured, the conversation turned to Arg, 34, and this comes after a 999 was made to his home earlier this month and he has returned to a daily rehab centre in recent days.
The reality favourite turned his life around over the past year, losing an incredible 11 stone, but he has been spotted entering a rehab unit in Essex after the health scare amid reported fears from friends that his lifestyle changes have taken a toll.
Host Steph McGovern said to Keith, who was dialling into the show from his home sporting a Spiderman shirt, said: “You mentioned Arg there, obviously, he’s had a bit of trouble recently, is he alright?”
Keith said: “Yeah, I saw Mark Wright on Saturday and obviously that’s his best mate, so yeah, he said he’s all good.”
Steph replied: “Yeah, that’s good to hear. We love Arg,” before she went on to discuss the next season of Celebrity Juice.
A source told The Sun that friends near Arg have been concerned of late, saying: “James has done amazingly well in turning his life around. But he’s also been working really, really hard both in the gym and out of it lately.
“He’s hit a bit of a brick wall and crashed and burnt and hit a low. He now needs to take time to just get back to where he was. His mates have ordered him to rest up and be kinder to himself. He might also take a holiday to reset.”
Before seeking help for cocaine and alcohol abuse in 2020, Arg described himself as being on “death row”.
After Arg was assessed by paramedics earlier this month, he was able to remain at home and didn't need to be hospitalised.
A source said at the time: “James has been doing so well, but the drastic change to his lifestyle has had pressures of its own and can be tough.
“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.”
