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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katie Wilson

James Argent to show off his new fitness by taking part in celebrity football match

James ‘Arg’ Argent is set to show off his new-found fitness by taking part in a celebrity football match at the weekend.

The former The Only Way Is Essex star recently revealed he had dropped seven stone.

Earlier this year, the 33-year-old, who has struggled with his weight since his teens, underwent gastric sleeve surgery in a bid to lose the pounds.

At one point Arg tipped the scales at 27 stone – but in recent weeks he has looked healthier than ever.

The slimmed-down reality TV star will play in a charity football match on Sunday alongside celebs such as Calum Best and James Arthur.

Arg has been documenting his weight loss journey on Instagram (Instagram)

Doctors had previously warned Arg to 'lose weight or die' after his weight crept up.

During a TV appearance on the Steph Show in June, he spoke of the inspiration behind his weight loss journey.

"It was scary being 27 stone… It was serious, doctors were telling me how dangerous it was.

'It felt horrible, I was always extremely uncomfortable, I couldn't look at myself in the mirror."

He added: "It felt depressing and it just wasn't me. Now I'm starting to feel like myself again and I'm excited about what the future is going to bring."

Arg with ex Gemma Collins who he split from in 2020 (Getty Images)

The charity football match, which is being held in The Gnoll Neath in Wales, is in memory of Swansea City fan Mitchell Powell.

Dad-of-one Mitchell tragically passed away in February at the age of just 26 while having double heart valve replacement surgery.

All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the British Heart Foundation, who supported Mitchell as he underwent 20 operations throughout his life.

The charity football match in Mitchell’s memory has attracted a host of celebrities, including freestyle footballer Jeremy Lynch.

Arg’s fellow TOWIE co-star Dan Osborne is set to play in the charity football game.

While Jake Cornish and Brad McCelland, who both starred in this year’s Love Island, are also on the bill.

Dan Richards, who came up with the idea for the match, said: "Over the last couple of months, we’ve done lots of charity events for Mitchell’s family.

“I’m running the London and Florida marathons to help raise money in his memory, but I also thought I would like to organise a charity football match.

“I got in touch with Sellebrity Soccer who have helped us and they said a number of celebrities would be keen to be involved because they have connections to heart charities.

“I always believe in giving back and knew we had to keep Mitchell’s legacy going.”

The charity game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday, September 26.

Adult tickets are £12, VIPs £40 and under-12’s £8. All money raised will go to the British Heart Foundation.

* To buy tickets visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrity-football-game-tickets-169477655229

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.

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