James Argent and Lydia Bright have been meeting up in secret and spending time at each other's houses, MailOnline can reveal.
The TOWIE couple, who were childhood sweethearts and dated on and off between 2008-2016, are hoping to rekindle their romance – five years after Lydia, 30, discovered James, 34, slept with herself and ex-Gemma Collins, 40, on the same day.
Sources close to the pair told MailOnline that James is still considered 'family' by Lydia's mum Debbie, and the prospect of them getting back together motivated him to lose weight because 'it's all he's ever wanted.'
'James has never stopped loving Lydia': James Argent and Lydia Bright have been meeting up in secret and spending time at each other's houses, MailOnline can reveal
An insider told MailOnline: 'James and Lydia have been spending a lot of time together in recent weeks.
'They became friends again at the beginning of the year but now they're starting to develop more serious feelings for each other.
'Everyone knows James has never stopped loving Lydia and the idea of her taking him back has spurred him on throughout his weight loss journey.
'Lydia has been supportive of his recovery, and he's still considered family – those closest to them are hoping this will be the happy ending they've always longed for.'
MailOnline has contacted James and Lydia's representatives for comment.
'He's still considered family': The former TOWIE couple, who were childhood sweethearts and dated on and off between 2008-2016, are hoping to rekindle their romance
Lydia has been single following the end of her relationship with Lee Cronin, who's her daughter Loretta's father.
In July, James was 'inseparable' from Lydia as they both attended his sister Natasha's wedding, posing for photos together with 21-month-old Loretta.
James and Lydia became friends again earlier this year after not speaking while the singer dated Gemma and battled several demons in his personal life.
The reality star
