James Argent signs up for SAS: Who Dares Wins after losing 14 stone

James Argent has been tapped up for the new series of SAS: Who Dares Wins, MailOnline can reveal.

The former TOWIE star, 34, who’s spoken publicly about his battle with drug addiction, depression, and binge eating, has set himself the ultimate physical and mental challenge after losing 14 stone following his lifesaving gastric surgery.

A source exclusively revealed that James is ‘determined’ to reach the end of the course and wants to prove he’s capable of tackling the most gruelling show on TV.

A show insider told MailOnline: ‘James has been through so much in his life but now after months of recovery and working on himself – he’s ready for a challenge of this magnitude.

‘It’s not just the physical aspect of the show for James, he’ll be tested mentally and given the chance to speak about everything he’s experienced in recent years.

‘Producers of SAS are always on the lookout for celebrities that have a story to tell and are prepared to rise to the occasion – James is the perfect signing.’

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for James and a Channel 4 representative for comment. 

‘Determined’: The former TOWIE star, who’s spoken about his battle with drug addiction, depression, and binge eating, has set himself the ultimate physical and mental challenge (pictured in February 2019) 

In 2021, James underwent ‘lifesaving’ gastric sleeve surgery and has since lost over 14 stone. 

He decided to have the operation after his weight fluctuated following his seven-year battle with depression and drug abuse. 

The reality star has spoken openly about his addiction struggles with cocaine and food, previously saying he feared ‘that he was eating himself to death.’  

James went to a rehabilitation clinic in Thailand during 2020 where he spent 10 weeks recovering from two near fatal overdoses. 

Speaking in May 2020, he said: ‘I’m in my 30s now and I have fully accepted that my life had become completely unmanageable a) with drugs and b) with my eating disorder.’ 

New romance: Last week, MailOnline revealed that James had moved forward in his love life after falling for Italian actress Stella Turian (pictured September 2022) 

Last week, MailOnline revealed that James had moved forward in his love life after falling for Italian actress Stella Turian.

Sources revealed that James is ‘smitten’ with Stella, who’s 16 years his junior, after the pair met in Mykonos three months ago while he attended a friend’s wedding.

The star’s new romance marks a fresh chapter in his life and is his first foray into dating since the end of his on-off relationship with former TOWIE co-star Gemma Collins.  

‘James and Stella are in love, they fell for each other the moment they met and have spent as much time together as possible since,’ a source told MailOnline last week.

‘This is a big deal for James – he hasn’t been in a relationship for years because he’s been working on himself and finally now, he’s ready to share his life with someone.’

Young love: Sources revealed that James is ‘smitten’ with Stella, who’s 16 years his junior, after the pair met in Mykonos three months ago while he attended a friend’s wedding