THE Only Way Is Essex stars James Argent and Lydia bright are said to have been “meeting up in secret and growing close again”.
The former couple, who were childhood sweethearts and split five years ago, look to be rekindling their romance behind closed doors, sources have revealed.
According to the MailOnline, James, 34, and his on-and-off girlfriend Lydia, 30, have been spending time at each other’s houses in secret meetings.
It comes five years after mother-of-one Lydia, who is mum to baby girl Loretta, discovered that James had slept with Gemma Collins.
A source has since revealed to the publication that Lydia’s mum Debbie still considers James “family” as he still visits their house.
The insider also revealed that the idea of them being reunited motivated James to shed an incredible 11 stone as it’s “all he’s ever wanted”.
“James and Lydia have been spending a lot of time together in recent weeks,” they revealed. “They became friends again at the beginning of the year but now they’re starting to develop more serious feelings for each other.
“Everyone knows James has never stopped loving Lydia and the idea of her taking him back has spurred him on throughout his weight loss journey.
“Lydia has been supportive of his recovery, and he’s still considered family – those closest to them are hoping this will be the happy ending they’ve always longed for.”
The Sun Online has contacted James and Lydia’s representatives for comment.
Lydia, who has been single since ending the relationship with ex Lee Cronin, was spotted alongside James at her sister Natasha’s wedding in July.
The former couple posed for photos together alongside her 21-month-old daughter Loretta months after rekindling their friendship.
He told The Sun earlier this year that the pair had grown “extremely close” again, but insisted he would keep their relationship “behind closed doors”.
“Me and Lydia are extremely close again — we have kept that low-key and behind closed doors,” he explained.
“Obviously she’s had a beautiful baby and she’s a single mother now. We were together years before Towie existed or before either of us were in the public eye.
“She’s a real friend and she and her mum have been an incredible support to me.
“I’m very fond of Lydia. I’m lucky to have her in my life and for us to be such close friends.”
In February, 30-year-old Lydia told fans that she is “very good friends” with Arg as she shared a sweet snap of him FaceTiming her baby daughter Loretta.
She opened up about their current relationship during an Instagram Q&A, where a curious fan asked: “Do you and Arg still speak?”
The blonde beauty replied: “Yes, we are very good friends. He has always remained best friends with my mum and younger brother Tommy.”
