James ‘Arg’ Argent has reportedly withdrawn from Dancing On Ice’s new line up.
The reality star was said to be set to follow in the footsteps of his on/off girlfriend Gemma Collins, who competed in the latest series.
According to The Sun, watching Gemma on the show inspired Arg to take part himself.
However it’s now claimed that Arg, currently appearing in Channel 4’s Sink Or Swim, has ultimately decided not to sign up due to his busy schedule.
A source alleged: “He was desperate to do it to lose lots of weight like Gemma did – and they were keen to have him on too as they were looking for big reality star names.
“But Arg has taken on loads of projects and Sink or Swim has been incredibly challenging for him – he can’t fit anything more in.”
Speaking earlier this year, Arg hinted he was interested in taking part in the show.
He told ITV’s This Morning in an interview: “I haven’t signed up, just yet. But.. I think there’s a very good chance you’ll be seeing me on the ice next year.”
Arg added: “Gemma would love to see me do the show, purely for the fact that I’d go through everything that she’s gone through.”
The news of Arg withdrawing from the show follows rumours that Maura Higgins will replace Amber Gill on the Dancing On Ice line up.
It was previously claimed that Amber was set to become the latest Love Island star to compete in the ice dancing competition, following Wes Nelson and Kem Cetinay.
But it seems as though show bosses have had a change of mind.
The Sun says producers have instead signed Amber’s co-star Maura after considering a number of this year’s Love Islanders as contestants.
As yet, ITV has not officially confirmed any names for 2020’s line up.
Dancing On Ice typically begins in January on ITV.
It was former Strictly pro James Jordan who won Dancing On Ice’s latest series earlier in 2019, beating Love Island’s Wes Nelson and singer Saara Aalto in the final.
