James Argent is reportedly ‘looking to propose’ to his stunning Swedish girlfriend Nicoline Artursson.
The former TOWIE star, 37, and the blonde model, 31, are stronger than ever as they enjoyed a romantic holiday in the Caribbean this week to celebrate Nicoline’s birthday.
Reports emerged the TV favourite is ‘planning to take the relationship to the next level’ with the former Miss Sweden – nine months after meeting casually in a supermarket.
The reality alum ‘has never been happier’ after overcoming several challenges with insiders adding the model ‘loves him for who he is’ – something Arg is finally able to cherish.
‘He’s totally smitten. He’s definitely looking to pop the question and start their future together,’ a source told OK! Magazine.
‘He has absolutely no doubt that she is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, they are absolutely soulmates, there’s no question about it.
James Argent is reportedly ‘looking to propose’ to his stunning Swedish girlfriend Nicoline Artursson
The reality alum ‘has never been happier’, according to reports, after overcoming several challenges
‘And seeing his good friend Mark Wright and his wife Michelle Keegan so happy and expecting their first baby, it’s just a lovely sign to Arg of what his happy future might hold.’
MailOnline has contacted James’ representatives for comment.
The lovebirds are currently soaking up the sun at Sandy Lane, a celeb-favourite resort in Barbados.
The star is also ready to settle down and have children.
Speaking to OK! Magazine in their first joint interview, James and Nicoline revealed that it was love at first sight for the pair after they bumped into each other outside a Spanish supermarket.
And since that fateful meeting, Nicoline moved to the UK and has now moved into Arg’s Essex home.
Describing the moment they met, James revealed he thought Nicoline was out of his league but decided he had nothing to lose.
He said: ‘I was walking to my gig at Elliott Wright’s restaurant in Marbella.
‘All of a sudden I see this woman coming towards me. I was like, ‘Wow, she’s beautiful.’ She was just in her gym clothes, wearing no make-up. She’d actually just fed a stray cat.’
James revealed nine months after their fateful meeting in a supermarket, they’re so smitten they’re already planning to start a family (Nicoline pictured)
And after summoning up the courage, James asked her out.
Nicole described James as a handsome man with a big smile, before adding that he makes her laugh, and it was these traits that helped cement their relationship.
James and Nicoline went on their first date a week later, where James explained about his past addiction issues and his weight loss, and the couple were so engrossed in one another that they forgot to order anything to eat.
Despite James’s confession about his seven-year drug addiction which saw him go through a near-fatal overdose, a hospitalisation and a stint on rehab, the model was unfazed.
He explained: ‘I’ve been through a lot over the years. I’ve been to rehab, I’ve had to get help. I also had to explain that I used to be morbidly obese, I was a big guy and I’ve lost a lot of weight. I’ve had an operation which has helped with my portion control. I have to eat little and often.
‘It was probably quite a lot to take in, but she was really cool. She was fine about everything. Being open and honest and putting your cards on the table from the start is so important.’
And Nicoline echoed James adding that the pair had decided to be completely open with each other from the start.
And now, several months later, the pair seem more loved up than ever and during the interview, the blonde beauty who previously modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch pointed out her Christmas stocking on the fireplace in the reality star’s living room.
James said: ‘We’re both at the right stage in our lives. We’ve both lived a life, we’ve both had experiences with previous partners’
James explained they would both ‘love to have a family one day, absolutely.’ while Nicoline added that one her favourite things about James is ‘he’s very family-oriented’.
James said: ‘We’re both at the right stage in our lives. We’ve both lived a life, we’ve both had experiences with previous partners, but now it’s a really good time to be sure of who you are with.’
But for the moment they seem to be enjoying each other’s company.
In September, James packed on the PDA with his Nicoline as the couple were spotted snogging in St Tropez.
The former TOWIE star seemed besotted with his former Miss Sweden love as the pair enjoyed a dip in the sea.
James showed off his toned physique as he went shirtless and wore a pair of blue patterned shorts.
James whisked his new girlfriend away for a lavish long weekend at Indie Beach at Plague de Pampelonne, The Sun revealed.
Nicoline, 31, won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch. She was also asked t
o take part in the French version The Bachelorette but declined to focus on her studies.
James broke up with Stella Turian in November after a year-long romance
It is James’s first relationship since splitting from his ex Stella Turian last November and the star previously opened up about feeling he would never find someone.
In March, Arg told the My Dirty Laundry podcast that he really struggled on Valentine’s day because of his single status – and had to stay off social media because it got him down so much.
Having tackled his demons, staying sober for two years and losing 15 stone in weight, James said: ‘I’m in a really good place. Everything in my life is perfect, apart from my love life. It would be nice if that would change.
‘I’ll be completely honest, this year I really struggled on Valentine’s Day. I remember, I woke up and thought, I am not going to look at social media.
‘It’s not that I’m heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew it’s not going to make me feel great because I didn’t have a Valentine, I don’t have a girlfriend.
‘But, I couldn’t help it. There was times where I’d just have a little glance and all you would see was couples. Everyone’s madly in love. Everyone’s happy.
‘Everyone’s out on dates. There’s flowers, there’s balloons, there’s chocolates, there’s date nights or trips or happily married couples – and yeah, it did start to affect me a little bit.’
James also admitted to OK! magazine that following the breakdown of his last relationship he lost his confidence.
He explained he was worried he wouldn’t meet anyone new or have the chance to settle down but he revealed that’s all changed now.
He added that Nicoline is his biggest supporter and knew it was love when she said she liked his singing.
And Nicoline has slotted into the reality star’s life with ease with James exposing her to a proper Essex night out and even a Sunday roast which the model says is her new favourite food.
The beauty has also been welcomed with open arms into the TOWIE family, meeting many of James’s friends, including Mark Wright and Joey Essex.
