SHAMED James Argent is “desperate to talk to” his ex Nicoline Artursson despite being slapped with a restraining order for attacking her in Spain.
The former Towie star pushed Nicoline, 32, down some steps during a violent row before fleeing the scene.
He dodged jail after admitting domestic violence but was handed a two-year-restraining order preventing him from seeing or contacting Nicoline.
The 37-year-old must also complete a “resocialisation course in the field of gender violence” as part of his sentence.
But insiders have told The Sun that James still wants to speak to Nicoline despite risking jail.
The source said: “He is in bits, just wants to hide from everyone, but he also is desperate to talk to Nicoline."
James later broke his silence after the attack on Nicoline, following speculation the violent outburst was fuelled by drugs and drink.
Addiction to both has seen James spend several stints in rehab - but he insisted he has not relapsed.
He told the MailOnline: "I haven't relapsed. I am still three years and four months clean and sober.
"I am devastated by what's happened.”
Nicoline was believed to be with James in her apartment at La Cala de Mijas when he turned aggressive and tried to force her out of her front door.
Shamed Towie star James Argent threatened with jail if he fails to listen to abuse victims on course after attack on ex
During the ensuing struggle, James pushed her and she fell down the steps.
Worried neighbours called the police after hearing Nicoline’s screams.
It is understood she suffered injuries and required hospital treatment.
The Sun later told how James' close friendship with ex-girlfriend Lydia Bright sparked a row between him and Nicoline hours before his attack.
Nicoline shared a cryptic post on Instagram which was deleted not long after she posted it to her 32,000 followers.
It read: “Had an interesting conversation with a friend.
Domestic abuse - how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
- Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
- Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
- Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
- Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
- The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night
- Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244
- Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428
- If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
“Is it OK if your boyfriend or girlfriend is talking and hanging out with their ex and the exes family daily and liking their Instagram posts etc?
“No kids involved with the ex.
“And then it shows up on your explore page that your partner showed that interest with them but they blame you for seeing it and now the ex is supposedly their 'best friend'."
James and Nicoline went public with their relationship in September last year, with him later sharing plans to start a family with her.
He told OK! magazine "We'd both love to have a family one day, absolutely."
