Towie’s Lydia Bright QUITS reality show after ex-boyfriend James ‘Arg’ Argent hints at return
Sources close to the star believe Lydia didn't want to be the subject of yet another storyline with Arg
TOWIE veteran Lydia Bright has quit the ITVBe series, The Sun's Bizarre Column can reveal.
The reality star, 27, shocked bosses by announcing her departure just weeks after her ex-boyfriend James 'Arg' Argent, 29, signalled his intention to return to the show following a stint in rehab.
Sources close to the star believe Lydia didn't want to be the subject of yet another storyline with Arg, prompting her desire for a clean break from the long-running series.
A Towie insider said: "Lydia's loved being on Towie despite the stresses it's caused in her personal life, particularly when it comes to Arg.
"She was weighing up her future following the end of the last series and with Arg clearly being back in contention, it triggered her decision.
"She knew he would get a lot of airtime and it's only natural she would be dragged into possible storylines."
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Lydia left the show once before in 2012 following another fallout with Arg but returned two years later, when the pair rekindled their relationship.
However, their on/off romance was over for good last year when Lydia grew tired after Arg's partying lifestyle, which eventually forced him into rehab.
In recent years she's attempted to increase her profile by appearing The Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls and The Jump, both of which have been on Channel 4.
A source close to Lydia said: "Lydia has loads of TV and fashion projects in the pipeline and leaving Towie will free her up to concentrate on them.
"She'll always been incredibly grateful for the experience."
Her Towie departure casts down on the future of her mum and popular co-star Debbie who has been a constant rock for Lydia during her time on the ITVBe show.
A spokeswoman for Lydia said: "Lydia has decided to take a break from Towie and this decision is fully supported by Lime Pictures."