THE Only Way Is Essex star James Argent is "safe and well" after he was reported missing.

Police were growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of the 26-year-old, best known as Arg on the hit reality show, after he was last seen at around 3am yesterday at his home in Woodford Green.

But this morning his agent Neil Dobias confirmed that Argent was "safe and well".

He said: "He's been found safe and well. I'm not sure of any of the details but he's called home and spoken to his mum. I just know that he's safe and well."

Earlier, Mr Dobias said the reality TV star had left home at 3am yesterday morning but had failed to turn up at the airport to catch a flight for work abroad.

It is believed Argent had not made any contact with friends or family until this morning.

Popular Arg shot to fame when he joined the Towie cast along with his best friend Mark Wright when the series first aired in 2010.

Since then he has seen his stock rise including collecting the show's Bafta Audience Award in 2011, amassing 1.4 million followers on Twitter and appearing on a host of chat shows.