Latest news with #LydiaBright
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Why Lydia Bright refuses to end bizarre friendship with ex James Argent – despite beauty queen assault and social swipe
HE cheated on her multiple times, sent her abusive messages and at one point she told him: 'I despise you". Yet to the confusion of millions of Towie fans who have followed their journey from lovers, to enemies, and now the best of friends, Lydia Bright is sticking by James Argent after he violently assaulted his Swedish girlfriend Nicoline Artursson. 12 12 12 A friend who knows both Lydia and Arg very well tells The Sun: 'When it comes to what happened with Arg and Nicoline, Lydia would never condone violence and has made that very clear to James, but she doesn't think that he is a violent man and she knows he deeply regrets the events of that night. "She has stuck by him, even though she doesn't agree with his actions - just as his other mates like Mark Wright have." Caught in the crossfire Lydia found herself publicly dragged into the fallout when a deleted instagram post from Nicoline, shared in the hours before the assault, appeared to take aim at her. Nicoline's social media message - deleted after she posted it to her 32,000 followers around 10:44pm on May 4 - read: 'Is it OK if your boyfriend is talking and hanging out with their ex and the family daily and liking their Instagram posts? The post continued: 'Then your partner blames you for seeing it, now the ex is supposedly their 'best friend'. If you're in a serious relationship you've got to respect your partner and leave the past in the past.' Hours after she deleted the message, disgraced James got into an explosive row with Nicoline and pushed her down some stairs at her apartment in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol. Quickly arrested and brought to court, Argent received a six-month suspended prison sentence for domestic abuse and was banned from contacting Nicoline. He pleaded guilty to 'mistreating' the former Miss Sweden, who was taken to hospital with horrific injuries. But while many would forgive Lydia for running a mile from her friendship with Arg after this latest scandal, she has remained loyal because, as those in her inner circle tell the Sun, the pair are "more than just mates, they're like family." Why Lydia stayed loyal A pal reveals: 'James and Lydia went through a lot when they were young and in a relationship but despite all the drama - they have stayed the closest of friends. Horrific injuries James Argent inflicted on his beauty queen girlfriend revealed as star avoids jail for horror attack 'There have been rocky moments, but they've both grown up together and there's a bond between them that can't be broken. 'They think of themselves as being kids on Towie, young and silly. Now they're adults and support each other. 'James is very much seen as part of her extended family and is very close to her mum, Debbie, and sister Romana. Their families are very tight knit." Indeed, Lydia becoming a mum to her daughter Loretta, five, who she shares with her ex, Lee Cronin, has only brought her closer with James - who is said to be 'like an uncle' to the little girl. Our insider adds: 'James was thrilled when Lydia became a mum and loves to spend time with her little girl Loretta – he absolutely dotes on her and loves treating her. He wants children one day and is very paternal, like an uncle." His darkest hours Lydia has also been Arg's rock at every testing time in his life including his long battle with obesity and drug addiction. When he revealed that he feared eating himself to death as his weight skyrocketed to 27st during his lowest ebb, later enduring several stints in rehab, Lydia was always there for him. 'Lydia's been a constant to James during his struggles with his weight and when he was losing himself to drugs," says a pal. 'She's only ever wanted the best for James and when he's been at rock bottom, she's always been there to lift him back up. "She sees the best in him - and knows what he's really like as a person and says he has a very good heart." Of course, those in James and Lydia's orbit often thought the childhood sweethearts would one day find their way back to each other romantically. 'There was a time when people thought James wanted Lydia back - it's obvious he does think about what their life could have been like if they stayed together. 'But that ship has sailed - James values the friendship so highly, it's the same for her. 'They speak regularly and see each other as much as they can - it's the same with James with Lydia's family. He'll pop in for a cuppa with Debbie and she sees him like a surrogate son.' The list of women he cheated with Arg and Lydia's love story started off screen nearly two decades ago when they were teens and their drama-filled romance made legendary TV on the ITVBe show - gripping viewers with its constant twists and turns. Both were OG cast members and viewers were completely gripped by their love story. During one iconic episode he bought her Mr Darcy for Christmas - a pet 'micro' pig which ended up growing to full size. At one point, the couple were engaged and planned to move in together but were hit by a series of cheating scandals and fall outs - in one scene Arg had to read a list of people he'd cheated with. He admitted kissing Amy Childs and bedding Gemma Collins and Lydia, on the same day, on a jaunt to Marbella. Even after multiple breakups (Arg's addictions were blamed for their many woes), they managed to maintain a friendship spanning 18 years. 12 Fat jibes But there's been a dark side to their union. James was accused of sending vile messages to Lydia, calling her a "sl*t" for sleeping with someone else, after their breakup in 2012. He was later exposed for sending Gemma a series of abusive fat-shaming texts -reportedly referring to her as a "fat joke of a woman," saying she had "more rolls than Greggs." As late as 2020, Gemma revealed Arg had called her a "hippo" and a "fat f**k" when she shared screenshots of the vile abuse on Instagram. Arg and Lydia's relationship timeline The Towie pair go way back with their bond spanning 18 years and ups and downs 2008: James and Lydia begin dating he was 20 and she was just 18. 2010: Both appear as original cast members on TOWIE, bringing their relationship into the spotlight and under public scrutiny for the first time. 2012: The couple end their relationship after five years after Arg allegedly relapses into his cocaine habit. Arg's party lifestyle was a huge source of contention, with most of their rows revolving around him keeping secrets from her and slipping back into his bad ways. Arg and Gemma Collins begin their romantic relationship in 2012, shortly after Arg's split from Lydia and she begins dating his 'rival' Tom Kilbey. December 2014: Arg checks himself into The Priory and is rumoured to be spending Christmas in Rehab. 2015: They rekindle their romance, with their renewed relationship featured on TOWIE 2016: James and Lydia split again, amid claims she caught him on a cocaine binge. 2017: Lydia discovers that James cheated on her, and it comes to light he slept with both her and Gemma Collins on the same day during a trip to Marbella. 2019: Despite their past, James and Lydia remain friends, with James stating they are "extremely close again" and have kept their renewed friendship "low-key and behind closed doors." 2021: James expresses fondness for Lydia, acknowledging her support and their enduring friendship. 2023: Lydia confirms that she and James remain good friends, emphasizing the strong bond they share Lydia also spoke about Arg controlling her during their time together saying: ''He could be so jealous and in the end it killed me. 'He was suffocating me and holding me back. He was insecure. He got so scared he was going to lose me he'd say, 'I can't let you do this and I can't let you do that'. 'He didn't even like me going out and every time I did, it was a drama.' 'Sad, lost and insecure' During one scene Lydia told him that she hated him saying: "I don't want us to ever be friends. I don't want you to speak to my friends and family. You made me hate you. When I look at you, I despise you." And she insisted he was 'sad, lost and insecure.' "We were getting a house, getting engaged, but nothing was ever enough for you,' she told him. "I tried to hold your hand through life, I gave you everything. "It's really sad because you give this front that you're this really happy person, loveable Arg but there's something in you that is so sad and lost and insecure.' Friends of the pair insist, however, that this is all water under the bridge and has only made the former couple's bond even stronger. 'Lydia and Arg have been through it all together. They have seen the best of each other, but also the worst of each other, but it's cemented an unbreakable bond between them. 'There is a deep love there that goes beyond any romantic relationship and they will always have each other's back. Lydia might not always agree with everything Arg does, and he has hurt her many times over the years, but she will always be there for, through thick and thin.'
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Lydia Bright says foster children being failed by state
Reality TV personality Lydia Bright has called for more help for foster children when they leave care at 18 years old, saying they are being "failed" by the Only Way Is Essex (Towie) star grew up alongside foster siblings, and her parents have continued to foster for more than 30 years."You cannot just wash your hands with these vulnerable young adults at 18 and expect them to just go on and thrive in society," Bright told the BBC."They need the support, we're letting go of them too young and we're setting them up for failure." 'Can't let go' Bright has been guest editing the BBC Essex Breakfast Show throughout this said her parents had fostered ever since she could remember, describing it as "a massive part of my world".The 34-year-old questioned whether any 18-year-old could live independently and feared there was a risk these children could fall into gangs and crime."The state is these young adults' parents, and they are failing them," said Bright, who found fame on Towie in 2010."A lot of [foster carers] feel like at 18, their duty's done, and my mum's belief is that when you do have a foster child, they are with you for life - you can't let go." About 800 children were in foster care in Essex at the beginning of 2025, with 492 foster carers in the County Council cabinet member for children's services, John Spence, has said "foster care is under threat" due to the falling numbers of families coming a foster child turns 16 years old, the local council must write a "pathway plan" which helps them prepare for leaving care, including plans for health, education and financial 18, a foster child is no longer in the care system, although local authorities must provide support until they are 25, including assigning a personal adviser who stays in touch once.A foster child may stay with their foster family beyond 18 up to the age of 21 under a Staying Put arrangement, but Bright told presenter Sonia Watson the system needed changing."Foster carers can't afford to keep their child placement within the Staying Put scheme because the fees are reduced dramatically; you don't get the usual fee that you would get for the child," she said."Some people rely on that, it's their career, they rely on that to pay their bills – so it's not always available." BBC presenter and author Ashley John-Baptiste, who grew up in several care settings, echoed the concerns."You tell me one 18-year-old person who you would say is ready to live as a fully-fledged adult – it's just not possible, let alone when you're a looked-after child," he told BBC Essex."It's what they call it when you turn 18 – 'the care cliff' – because you get forms of support as a looked-after child and teenager, and the moment you turn 18, the vast majority of that support goes away." Support A Department for Education spokesperson said that the children's social care system it inherited was "failing to meet the needs of the country's most vulnerable children"."The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill marks the biggest overhaul of children's social care in a generation and is a key step towards delivering the government's mission to break the link between young people's background and their future success."They continued: "That's why, as part of our Plan for Change, key measures will include introducing new corporate parenting responsibilities on the government and providing stay close support for care leavers."Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council all said they were committed to supporting care leavers. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lydia Bright hits back at mum-shamers after being blasted for revealing she still co-sleeps with her five-year-old daughter Loretta
Lydia Bright has hit back at mum-shaming trolls after they blasted her for sharing she still co-sleeps with her five-year-old daughter Loretta. The TOWIE star, 34, recently shared a sweet video of herself with her daughter, alongside a heartfelt caption detailing her journey with choosing to co-sleep with her, The clip however caused some controversy with trolls leaving comments such as 'Good luck finding a man'. Following the backlash, Lydia took to her Instagram Stories to hit back, writing: 'This post was simply to highlight the beauty of co-sleeping, something that's embraced in so many cultures around the world, yet is unusual here in the UK. 'I wanted to just say, mums to trust your own maternal instinct'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Lydia co-parents with Loretta's father and ex, Lee Cronin. She continued: 'Do what feels right for you and your child, not what society tells you is "normal" 'To those commenting 'good luck finding a man' or suggesting it'll be a problem when I meet someone. 'I wouldn't be with a man who wasn't secure enough to respect the bond I share with my daughter.' To lighten the mood, Lydia finished with a little joke, she said: 'Her happiness will always come first, especially over my sex life. Sorry dad'. The controversy came after Lydia recently revealed that she has started online dating following her break up with Ben Davies, 32, in the New Year. Taking to Instagram on New Year's Day, Lydia shared several photos taken with family and friends at the end of the year and confirmed the relationship was over. Beginning the post, she wrote: 'December Dump. I really wanted to start doing monthly dumps in the New Year. The star recently shared a sweet video of herself with a sleeping Loretta alongside a heartfelt caption detailing her journey with choosing to co-sleep with her daughter 'Mainly because I think it's a great way to reflect on all the memories made each month. December was a good enough excuse to start early….' She then added: 'Of course, there was also the magic of Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 'However, I always leave my phone in the drawer during this time to take some time out from socials and really be present. 'I'll be honest I was a little nervous about Christmas. It's a time when feelings are amplified and I was worried I would feel the sadness of being single AGAIN. 'However, I have never felt so blessed to have my friends, family and so grateful for our memories together. Going into 2025 with the fullest.' In November, Lydia booked a last minute flight to see her sister Georgia in Berlin after 'feeling lost' - but didn't specify what had happened. Lydia penned: 'This week has been tough, lots of s****y things happened and I was feeling a bit lost. I didn't want to lean on my big sister as I knew how busy she'd be with her work summit in Berlin. 'But when I called her on Thursday to wish her happy birthday, she immediately knew I wasn't myself (nobody knows me like her.) 'She practically begged me to fly out to see her, organised me a hotel and after the 20th voice note I booked my flight on Thursday evening, 12 hours before take off. This trip was everything I needed. 'Thank you for knowing what I need more than I know myself. For dropping everything when I need you the most.' The pair no longer follow each other on social media either. Back in July Lydia packed on the PDA with Ben on a yacht in Ibiza. The reality star branded father-of-one Ben, who she had been dating for eight months at the time, the 'love of my life' as she shared the loved-up gallery of Instagram snaps.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lydia Bright hits back at mum-shamers as she doubles down on choosing to co-sleep with her daughter instead of partner
THE ONLY WAY THE ONLY WAY Lydia Bright hits back at mum-shamers as she doubles down on choosing to co-sleep with her daughter instead of partner Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LYDIA Bright has hit back at mum-shamers as she doubles down on her sleeping arrangements. The former Towie personality caused a stir when she admitted to choosing to co-sleep with her daughter instead of her partner. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Lydia Bright doubled down against the cruel mum-shamers Credit: Splash 4 The reality star caused a stir when she posted a video of her daughter Lorretta sleeping next to her Lydia Bright, 34, previously came under fire over a sweet video she posted of her five-year-old little girl. In the sweet clip, her tot Lorretta - whom she shares with her ex-boyfriend Lee Cronin - could be seen fast asleep next to her mum. However, some cruel trolls said she should not be letting her child sleep next to her, if she wants to find a new man. The ITVBe beauty addressed the controversy head on as she took to her Instagram story with an explanation. She wrote: "This post was simply to highlight the beauty of co-sleeping. Something that's embraced in so many cultures around the world, yet is unusual here in the UK. "I wanted to just say, mums to trust your own maternal instinct. "Do what feels right for you and your child, not what society tells you is "normal". Lydia continued: "To those commenting 'good luck finding a man' or suggesting it'll be a problem when I meet someone. "I wouldn't be with a man who wasn't secure enough to respect the bond I share with my daughter." Lydia Bright reveals daughter, five, is still co-sleeping She added: "Her happiness will always come first, especially over my sex life. Sorry dad :D." Lydia previously responded to the backlash as she originally commented: "I had a relationship and it still remained the same sleeping arrangements. "My daughter is my priority, I won't be moving beds for no man." The former reality TV star is is back on the market after splitting with ex Ben Davies. But fans might not need to worry as Lydia recently revealed that she's signed up to a dating app. 4 The star wants to embrace the technique of co-sleeping Credit: PA
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Lydia Bright hits back at mum-shamers as she doubles down on choosing to co-sleep with her daughter instead of partner
LYDIA Bright has hit back at mum-shamers as she doubles down on her sleeping arrangements. The former Towie personality caused a stir when she admitted to choosing to co-sleep with her daughter instead of her partner. 4 Lydia Bright, 34, previously came under fire over a sweet video she posted of her five-year-old little girl. In the sweet clip, her tot Lorretta - whom she shares with her ex-boyfriend Lee Cronin - could be seen fast asleep next to her mum. However, some cruel trolls said she should not be letting her child sleep next to her, if she wants to find a new man. The ITVBe beauty addressed the controversy head on as she took to her Instagram story with an explanation. She wrote: "This post was simply to highlight the beauty of co-sleeping. Something that's embraced in so many cultures around the world, yet is unusual here in the UK. "I wanted to just say, mums to trust your own maternal instinct. "Do what feels right for you and your child, not what society tells you is "normal". Lydia continued: "To those commenting 'good luck finding a man' or suggesting it'll be a problem when I meet someone. "I wouldn't be with a man who wasn't secure enough to respect the bond I share with my daughter." Lydia Bright reveals daughter, five, is still co-sleeping She added: "Her happiness will always come first, especially over my sex life. Sorry dad :D." Lydia previously responded to the backlash as she originally commented: "I had a relationship and it still remained the same sleeping arrangements. "My daughter is my priority, I won't be moving beds for no man." The former reality TV star is is back on the market after splitting with ex Ben Davies. But fans might not need to worry as Lydia recently revealed that she's signed up to a dating app. 4 4
