Towie star in shock return to the show TODAY after over six years off screen ngocc

James, 36, who's spent years away from the show, will make a special appearance in the Christmas special, which films in just a matter of hours.

A source told The Sun: “Arg is really excited to be back filming this cameo with cast and crew.

"It’s been a long time since he was last on Towie and he’s in such a great place personally.

"He felt like this was the perfect moment for him to pop back to see his Towie pals, old and new."

In recent years, Arg has turned his life around - losing 13st, staying clean and raking in cash performing with his band, The Arg Band.

The TV favourite often shares clips from his sell out performances.

While his love life has also moving in the right direction.

In September, Arg confirmed his romance with model girlfriend Nicoline Artursson after a romantic holiday in September.

Going Instagram official with the 31-year-old, Arg shared snaps of them enjoying a date at a restaurant.

The happy couple coordinated their looks, with Nicoline wearing a purple vest top, while James went for a shirt in the same colour.

James left the hit series in 2019 after testing positive for cocaine during a routine drug test.

A TV source said at the time: “It’s a shame but James’ problems flared up again, and he failed a routine test.

"As a result Lime Pictures aren’t working with him, and it has sparked more concerns among his friends who fear he isn’t looking after himself.

“His weight has rocketed recently which he says he plans to tackle, but getting back involved with drugs is even worse. It’s a dangerous path he is going down.”

James, best known as Arg, made his debut on Towie all the way back when the show first aired in 2010.

He appeared alongside the likes of Mark Wright, Lydia Bright, Sam Faiers, Amy Childs and Lucy Mecklenburgh.

The reality star has struggled over the years with alcohol and addiction over the years. 

In 2017, he checked himself into a rehab facility in Thailand, for his 'mental and physical wellbeing'.