27st James Argent steps out in Essex after revealing he is preparing for life-saving gastric surgery

James Argent enjoyed a low-key outing in Essex on Thursday, weeks after thanking his rehab team for their support in his ongoing recovery from addiction.

The TOWIE star, 33, stepped out for a walk as he continues his weight loss campaign before having a gastric sleeve fitted.

James wore a white t-shirt and jogging bottoms, paired with colourful trainers as he strolled.

Reality star: James Argent enjoyed a low-key outing in Essex on Thursday, weeks after thanking his rehab team for their support in his ongoing recovery from addiction

The star later changed into a black sweater as he carried a bottle of water on his morning walk.

The outing comes after James thanked his rehab team for their support with his ongoing addiction issues and encouraged others who are struggling to get help. 

James  took to Instagram earlier this month to update fans on his recovery and thanked his followers for their messages during a ‘difficult time’.

Arg has battled drink and drug addiction since finding fame on TOWIE and in 2014 he was suspended from the show after he failed a routine drugs test.  

Outing: The TOWIE star, 33, stepped out for a walk as he continues his weight loss campaign before having a gastric sleeve fitted

Outing: Arg wore a tracksuit as he carried a washbag on his outing

Outing: The TOWIE star, 33, stepped out for a walk as he continues his weight loss campaign before having a gastric sleeve fitted

Refreshed: Arg carried a bottle of water as he walked along in the sunshine

Refreshed: Arg carried a bottle of water as he walked along in the sunshine

 Speaking in the video he said: ‘Hey guys, I just want to thank each and every single one of you who have shown me nothing but love and support with all your messages over what’s been quite a difficult time for me.  

‘I know you’re worried but I can honestly say I feel so much more positive about the future and I feel so much better in myself and that’s because I have had day to day help from Dad in Recovery.

‘Nick is a leading addiction expert and alongside his team at Verve Health they’ve really helped me on what’s hopefully going to be a really special journey for me.  

‘If you’re indoors at home and seeing this video message, please if you are struggling please do not suffer in silence, please reach out to Nick, Dad in Recovery and the whole team at Verve health and they will help you along your journey just like they’ve done with me.’

Sighting: James later donned a black sweater as he strolled in Essex

Sighting: James later donned a black sweater as he strolled in Essex

On his way: James looked focused as he walked along in the sunshine

Smile: Arg looked focused and happy as he walked

On his way: James looked focused as he walked along in the sunshine

Alongside the post he wrote: ‘Thank you to Everyone for your continued support, It means so much. 

‘A special shout out to Nick @dadinrecovery & his team at @vervehealthrehabs for helping me on this path of my recovery journey. 

‘Don’t forget to ask for help, It’s out there. Don’t suffer alone! �� ❤️ #dadinrecovery #recoveryjourney #getsupport #help4addiction’.  

Along with his addiction issues, James revealed last month that he is having life-saving gastric surgery after reaching 27 stone during lockdown. 

Arg received his first dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine last month after he was placed in the ‘high-risk category’ because of his weight.

Honest: James recently thanked his rehab team for their support with his ongoing addiction issues and encouraged others who are struggling to get help

Honest: James recently thanked his rehab team for their support with his ongoing addiction issues and encouraged others who are struggling to get help

Hopeful: The former TOWIE star took to Instagram on Sunday to update fans on his recovery and thanked fans for their messages during a 'difficult time'

Hopeful: The former TOWIE star took to Instagram on Sunday to update fans on his recovery and thanked fans for their messages during a ‘difficult time’

Recovery: Alongside the post he wrote: 'Thank you to Everyone for your continued support, It means so much'

Recovery: Alongside the post he wrote: ‘Thank you to Everyone for your continued support, It means so much’

Appearing on Good Morning Britain, he said: ‘They’ve [doctors] basically been saying, the size I am at the moment, it could be fatal. If I was to catch Covid, I could be a goner.’ 

Speaking to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, James added: ‘It has been worrying. It’s been difficult putting on so much weight and obviously the fact I’ve got so big.  

‘It kind of shows I haven’t been in the greatest of places. But I’m sitting here this morning, I’m feeling super positive… 

‘I’ve got life-changing surgery, which is going to be taking place in the near future, it’s all booked up.

Journey: Along with his addiction issues, James revealed last month that he is have life-saving gastric surgery after reaching 27 stone during lockdown

Journey: Along with his addiction issues, James revealed last month that he is have life-saving gastric surgery after reaching 27 stone during lockdown

Weight battle: Arg will have life-saving gastric surgery in the near future and described doctors' warnings as 'very worrying' (pictured last month)

Fluctuating weight: James pictured in 2015

Weight battle: Arg will have life-saving gastric surgery in the near future and described doctors’ warnings as ‘very worrying’ (left, last month and right, in 2015)

‘I really feel like I’m making positive steps and I can’t wait to get back to my very best.’

James went on to explain how doctors have warned him he is in danger territory due to his weight and how if he were to catch Covid, it could be fatal.   

Arg has battled drink and drug addiction for much of his adult life.

The TV star spent three months in a facility in Thailand over the festive season in 2016 in a bid to curb his addiction and revealed he checked himself in to a programme in order to get the ‘ongoing support’ he needed.

In August 2019, Arg returned to rehab following a split from Gemma Collins in a bid to tackle his demons. 

For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.  

Grateful: Speaking in the video he said: 'Hey guys, I just want to thanks each and every single one of you who have shown me nothing but love and support'

Grateful: Speaking in the video he said: ‘Hey guys, I just want to thanks each and every single one of you who have shown me nothing but love and support’