Gemma: “This separation is torture”
After three months apart, Gemma Collins’ plans for wedding bells and babies with on-off boyfriend James ‘Arg’ Argent have been scuppered by the lockdown
Posting an Instagram snap from a rehab centre in Thailand recently, James “Arg” Argent declared he “couldn’t wait” to be back in the arms of on/ off girlfriend Gemma Collins, adding, “I’m gonna make it up to you and turn things around.”
Yet despite his plans for a romantic reunion, the pair haven’t been able to spend quality time together, instead being mostly separated due to not living together by the time the government enforced the nationwide lockdown amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The couple, who have had a rocky eight-year romance, came under fire when pictures emerged of them on a walk together last week, with
Arg wearing a mask. One commentator on social media blasted, “Do they live together? If not WHY are they out?” While another wrote, “They should be social distancing, they are not immune from the rules.”
But a source says, “This was the first time they had seen each other in three months. They had been counting down the days, so this social distancing and lockdown came as a massive blow for them. They knew they had to keep a distance, and they did – but it is such a difficult situation.
“They don’t live together, so they are in the same boat as many couples across the country. She’s told friends that they felt they just had to see each other last week because it had been torture being separated. If they had their way, they would be spending every second together at the moment. But they know they aren’t allowed to.”
MONTHS APART
Arg, 32, had been rehabilitating in Thailand since before Christmas, where he was treated for addictions to drugs, alcohol and food. He has recently posted several Instagram snaps dedicated to Gemma, 39. In a video of them dancing, he wrote, “I can’t wait to dance with you again,” and on Valentine’s Day he gushed, “You’ve stuck by me through my best and my worst times. Your love and support means everything. Love you always.”
But his journey back from Asia was delayed by 24 hours as he fell victim to the travel chaos that has seen flights grounded across the world. By the time he arrived in the UK, the government had announced the lockdown, meaning he couldn’t see Gemma – and it could be months before they can spend time together properly again.
The source says, “Arg is in a really good headspace – he’s back on track after his treatment, and Gemma has been reminded of the person she first fell madly in love with. It is fair to say that being apart is a huge blow to their relationship, because over the last few months, they had been on the phone to each other a lot, dreaming up big plans of what they’ll do when they’re back together.
BLEAK SITUATION
“Gemma’s especially upset because it’s no secret she wants to get married and have babies before she turns 40. But even though this lockdown could go on for months, they fully understand that they have to stay apart as it’s what has to be done to save lives – they are completely aware of how serious this killer disease is.”
The source adds, “Gemma is very spiritual and is trying to take positives out of this bleak situation. The downtime has allowed her to mull over what she really wants in life – and she’s certain that is a future with
Arg and a family of their own.
“She’s totally convinced that he’s on the same page as her. He has already promised not to disappoint her and he is determined to stick to it. He’s told her he has four ambitions: staying happy, being healthy, not letting her down, and being the best person he can be.”
The pair have had a whirlwind romance, splitting up several times since first dating in 2011. In that time, she has supported Arg through three rehab stints for his addictions, and the pair split again last summer shortly after she dialled 999 fearing he had overdosed.
DE FERIO BEAQUESED GIOU ODDITIVUS DUCTABLOUS IN
FRIGERIFIERO WHALIY
TYING THE KNOT
But, seemingly assured that her boyfriend is on the mend, Gemma revealed on her
BBC podcast recently that she was “more convinced than ever” that she would get married soon.
Last week, their former co-star Kirk Norcross also tipped the pair to walk down the aisle soon. Kirk, who is eyeing up a place in the TOWIE reunion alongside the pair, told Closer, “They are perfect for one another. Nobody would be surprised to see them end up getting married.”
By Daisy McLure