The Only Way Is Essex star James Argent admits that his mother’s emotional words helped him turn over a new leaf during the height of his drug and food addictions.
The 34-year-old ex-TOWIE member has lost an impressive 14 stone since his gastric sleeve surgery last year, a vital operation due to the level of addiction he was facing.
James has said that during the peak of his battle, he was “locking his doors” and “no-one could get hold of him” because he was “depressed” and turned to “comfort eating”.
He has credited his mother Patricia for her tough love and stern words which kick started his desire to get fit again.
He spoke to The Mirror about his struggles: “My mum said to me: ‘I don’t recognise my son any more,” and that really got me. It played on my mind and was a big turning point for me wanting to change.”
Patricia also opened up: “I have got my son back. I’m proud of him. It’s been one hell of a journey and it’s kind of brought us closer as a family. I’m not ashamed of anything.”
Arg recalled that therapists told his mother to “take a huge step back” which is “tough” because it’s “not a natural response”.
(Image: James Argent/Instagram)
He said that she “didn’t want to do it” but “had to” for his own benefit.
Patricia admitted that she’s a “softy” and “loves him unconditionally,” which may have been hindering his recovery.
After learning about addiction, Patricia realised that she “had to walk away” and realise that she “couldn’t make him better”.
(Image: James Argent/Instagram)
She said that the experience was “scary” because she had “never turned her back on him previously”.
Arg also admitted that Patricia “means the world to him” and they’re “very, very close”.
The reality star explained that the reason why he bought a house “five doors down” from his mother is because he “feels safer being near her” as they “see each other everyday”.
“My mum doesn’t need an invitation. She lets herself in but the rules are that she has to ring the doorbell first in case I’m not dressed or entertaining friends.”
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here .
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
