EXCLUSIVE: TOWIE’s James Argent, 35, ‘heartbroken’ after splitting from girlfriend Stella Turian, 19, after a year together

James Argent has split from girlfriend Stella Turian after a year together, MailOnline can reveal.

The former TOWIE star, 35, started dating Italian law student Stella, 19, in September last year and the couple have since traveled to Verona, Lake Garda, Venice and Positano together.

But the distance between them became an issue this summer when singer Arg performed at weddings in both Britain and Marbella and they struggled to see each other, and the breakup has left the TV personality ‘heartbroken’.

Arg weathered criticism of their age difference from comedian Katherine Ryan, 40, during their time together, and insiders say the 16-year difference was not a factor behind the split.

A source close to Arg has told MailOnline that although he knows their separation is for the best, he still feels upset, that he loved Stella and they made unforgettable memories together.

The TOWIE star, 35, started dating Italian law student Stella, 19, in September last year and the couple have since traveled to Verona, Lake Garda, Venice and Positano together.

But the distance between them became an issue this summer when singer Arg performed at weddings in both Britain and Marbella and they struggled to see each other.

They said: ‘Despite being in a long-distance relationship, James and Stella managed to make their relationship work for over a year.

‘But over the summer it became increasingly difficult for them to meet appointments due to their work commitments.

‘There are no hard feelings between them, they still follow each other on Instagram and James is even invited to come skiing with Stella and family early next year.

‘They made lasting memories traveling through the most romantic parts of Italy together and Stella visited London for the first time to see James, but for now they agree their relationship is over.’

Stella, who lives in a ski resort in the Italian mountains, not only pursues a career as a lawyer, but is also active in acting, making it even more difficult for her and James to see each other.

It was James’ first romance since his on-off relationship with 42-year-old Gemma Collins finally ended in 2020.

The following year, there was speculation that James could have reconnected with his childhood sweetheart and former co-star Lydia Bright, 32, after MailOnline revealed the exes were secretly spending time together.

But in the summer of 2022, Arg met Stella at a wedding in Mykonos, with insiders saying he fell in love with the aspiring model.

Arg, who starred in the latest series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, met Stella at a wedding in Mykonos, with insiders saying he fell in love with the aspiring model

It was James’ first romance since his on-off relationship with 42-year-old Gemma Collins finally ended in 2020.

Stella is not only pursuing a career in law, but is also a model and actress, making it even more difficult for her and James to see each other.

Last month, James said he was “very happy” with Stella, and that he could even see marriage in their future.

After news of their romance became public, comedian Katherine Ryan posted an image of her stern face on her Instagram Story, alongside the comment: ‘Me – a mother – finding out a 35 year old TOWIE star is dating an 18 year old girlfriend has .’

She has also spoken out about Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, 48, who is known for dating women significantly younger than him. She says it’s “gross” and “weird” for “famous men dating teenagers.”

The mother-of-three acknowledged that James has fallen on hard times and appreciates that the Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins star could be in a ‘vulnerable’ position.

James previously told MailOnline that Stella was understanding of the problems he has overcome in his life, including drug and alcohol addiction and an unhealthy relationship with food.

After three stints in rehab, James is now sober and has dropped from 27 to 14 stone.

In addition to focusing his energy on boxing and eating a balanced diet, Arg underwent stomach surgery in 2021 and later a tummy tuck to remove excess skin around his abdomen.

James has been open about the demons he has faced, with the reality star suffering two near-fatal overdoses at home.

After three stints in rehab, James is now sober and has dropped from 27 to 14 stone (pictured in May 2019)

In addition to focusing his energy on boxing and eating a balanced diet, Arg underwent stomach surgery in 2021 and later had a tummy tuck to remove excess skin around his abdomen (pictured in October 2023)

In February 2021, James explained that getting sober has been an uphill battle, and he constantly reminds himself not to get “too complacent.”

He told MailOnline: ‘I have been through an awful lot and it has taken a lot to get to where I am now.

“There are days when I still struggle and feel down, but now I have the tools I can use when I’m going through those tough times.

“I’ve been clean and sober for over a year, that’s the most important thing. I have completely lost weight, I no longer binge or overeat, and I surround myself with good, positive people and do positive things.

‘I feel so much happier and healthier and I’m in a position where in the past I may have tried to better myself physically and mentally for a girlfriend or for a job, but now I just do it for myself and I feel good I just can’t get too complacent.”

MailOnline has contacted James’ representative for comment.