‘Completely unimpressed but still loyal’ – Why disgraced TOWIE star James Argent remains in Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan’s inner circle despite domestic violence conviction and growing fears over influence on their baby daughter - suong

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright were on their recent holiday in Spain with disgraced reality star, James Argent, according to reports. The former TOWIE favourite, who goes by the nickname Arg, was handed a suspended prison sentence in May for gender violence against former girlfriend, Nicoline Artursson.

Despite admitting to the offence of gender violence in Spain earlier this year, Arg has continued to make public performances and appearances with his band The Arg Band – with Mark's cousin Elliott Wright publicly backing the reality star.

Meanwhile, Mark, 38, has been friends with Arg, 37, for years and is still said to be close to the wedding singer, who insisted he was "devastated" after pleading guilty to domestic violence charges against Nicoline two months ago. In a show of solidarity, it now looks like the telly star still has the support of his pal after the pair appeared to enjoy a family trip away together last month when Mark's sister, Natalya, posted a TikTok video, which included a shot of Arg on a sun lounger with the caption: "Spend the day with me, holiday edition."

Mark Wright's sister, Natalya, shared this TikTok of Arg on holiday with the family in Spain recently(Image: Instagram)

Neither Mark nor Michelle included any pictures of Arg when they posted snaps of their recent holiday on Instagram, with a source telling The Sun the couple were sticking by him, even though they are "completely unimpressed" by what happened between him and Nicole.

They said: "Arg is basically Mark's family, it was never in question he'd support him, though of course he was completely unimpressed by everything that went down between Arg and Nicoline.

“Mark put his head in his hands when it all came out, mainly because he knows he's stuck between a rock and a hard place.

"Arg is his best friend, and there is a lot of loyalty there, but Mark has a respected career and now a daughter - he absolutely doesn't condone violence towards women."

Meanwhile, Michelle, who gave birth to her first child, Palma, four months ago, is said to be cautious, insisting that she 'doesn't want any bad influences around the couple's daughter'.

The source continued: "It's all so close to home and she has grown to love Arg like family, so she was devastated and incredibly disappointed, especially now she has Palma."

The Mirror has contacted Mark and Michelle's reps for comment.

Mark and Arg have been friends for years(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Arg was ordered to pay ex-girlfriend Nicoline £250 as compensation after admitting a domestic violence charge in May. The reality star admitted his crime at a court in Spai,n where he received a six-month suspended prison sentence and a two-year restraining order.

He reportedly inflicted injuries to Nicolette's neck, arms, hand and leg after attacking her at her apartment in Costa del Sol.

Speaking out about the scandal, Arg later insisted he was "devastated", telling the Mail: "I haven't relapsed. I am still three years and four months clean and sober."I am devastated by what's happened."