James 'Arg' Argent is taking a break from 'The Only Way Is Essex'.

James 'Arg' Argent

James 'Arg' Argent

The 29-year-old reality TV star, who previously battled with his weight, spent time in rehab and admitted to being "badly depressed", has reportedly decided to take some time off from filming the show in order to focus on his wellbeing.

A source told The Sun Online: "Arg doesn't feel ready to return to 'TOWIE'. He wants to get himself in a stronger position before he commits to sharing his life on camera again and filming full time.

"He wants to return when he is able to give it 100 per cent."

Back in 2015, Arg was suspended from the ITV Be show for failing to turn up to filming amid rumours of drug and alcohol abuse and he admitted his best friend Mark Wright threatened to ban him from his wedding to Michelle Keegan if he didn't turn his life around.

He said: "I'm embarrassed to say this but so many people tried [to help] and got pushed away.

"Mark told me I wasn't invited to his wedding if I didn't change. When I went into rehab he got in touch because he was so proud of me.

"Underneath everything I was badly depressed. I was so anxious and tired."

"At that point I was hiding from everyone in my flat. Lydia [Bright] would beg me to open the door. My mum would come round crying and I'd pretend I wasn't there. I just couldn't face anyone."