James Argent’s ex Nicoline Artursson, 32, sparks romance rumours as she cosies up to hunky Italian tennis player Lucianco Darderi, 23 – two months after the TOWIE star’s suspended jail sentence for pushing her down steps

James Argent’s ex Nicoline Artursson sparked romance rumours as she cosied up to Italian tennis player Lucianco Darderi on Saturday, following a turbulent few months. 

The ex-TOWIE star, 37, received a suspended jail sentence in May after he was arrested for pushing the former Miss Sweden down some steps at their Spanish home.

Nicoline, 32, suffered several injuries to her neck, arms, hand and leg, and James is now banned from contacting her because a two-year restraining order is in place.

She then broke her silence on Instagram last month and accused James of causing her ‘targeted emotional distress’. 

But Nicoline has hinted that she has now found happiness after posing alongside the Argentine-born Italian athlete, 23, following his match at the Nordea Open.

The pair appeared in a warm embrace, with the song, Baby I Love Your Way by Big Mountain, followed by the caption, ‘Proud of you Champ.’

James Argent ‘s ex Nicoline Artursson, 32, sparked romance rumours as she cosied up to Italian tennis player Lucianco Darderi, 23, on Saturday, following a turbulent few months 

The ex-TOWIE star, 37, received a suspended jail sentence in May after he was arrested for pushing the former Miss Sweden down some steps at their Spanish home (pictured 2024)

Nicole flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in as skimpy plaid co-ord and soon posted a second image of the pair, accompanied by the tune, Sweet Little Mystery, by Wet Wet Wet, followed with the words, ‘Today we go again VAMOS!’ 

Lucianco has also played at Wimbledon, and despite their nine-year age gap, the duo both follow each other on Instagram, and have been liking each other’s glamorous posts in recent weeks.

It comes after last week Nicoline shared some poignant words about ‘reaching rock bottom’ after her ex James pushed her down some steps in Spain.

Following her lengthy statement, Nicoline shared some further poignant words about overcoming ‘setbacks’ and going through ‘hardships’.

She took to Instagram last Wednesday to share snaps of herself at the four-star alpine chalet Hotel Maribel Sierra Nevada and penned some heartfelt words in a caption.

Nicoline thanked her fans for their support and spoke about helping people out when they reach ‘rock bottom’, before adding hashtags about ‘narcissistic abuse awareness’, ‘recovery’ and ‘healing’, among others.

She penned: ‘Partner with the right power! Meaning – Surround yourself with ONLY people who shares the motto of wanting to be their best extraordinary self with you and others.

‘In the midst of a setback there is a comeback laying ahead of you. I’m so blessed and privileged to be learning from our dear family friend Tim Storey.

But Nicoline has hinted that she has now found happiness after posing alongside the Argentine-born Italian athlete following his match at the Nordea Open

Lucianco has also played at Wimbledon (pictured 2025)

The duo both follow each other on Instagram, and have been liking each other’s glamorous posts in recent weeks.

‘I thank each and every one of you for all your supportive kindness & love you’ve been showing me – It means more than you’ll ever know! I appreciate you all so m

‘Going through hardships, your focus will be put to a test. Where you re-direct your mindset will be crucial.

‘This does not mean to suppress any emotions or feelings – It means to go through them fully no matter how hard it is.

‘The power of humanity is that we cheer each other on when good things are happening and we help each other out when life take you rock bottom. So let’s come together! 

‘Surround yourself with pure and warmhearted people who will be there with you and let them know they matter to you.

‘I feel so passionate about helping others going through big as small hurdles to show you life has a plan for you.

‘Remember, we stand strongest together.’

Earlier this month, Nicoline broke her silence after James’ suspended jail sentence as she admitted she was still ‘wounded inside’ in a lengthy statement about her injuries.

She wrote: ‘It’s now been a month. I still can’t believe it. My fractures on my body have finally healed but I’m wounded inside. I’ve been quiet long enough. Silence protects no one – and it almost destroyed me.

‘What started as a love story sadly turned into something else. Behind the pictures, promises and the plans for a life together – the beautiful days – changed into something into sadness with emotional manipulation and eventually physical harm.

‘I loved deeply, believed in our future and stood by someone I thought would protect me and instead I was left alone and harmed in ways I never imagined.

‘I was not only failed by him but deeply affected by the presence of unresolved ties to his past.

‘Yes I posted an Instagram story with a simple yes or no question about if your ex should be a part of your present relationship. I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. ”Three’s a crowd”, they say.

Earlier this month, Nicoline broke her silence after James’ suspended jail sentence as she admitted she was still ‘wounded inside’ in a lengthy statement about her injuries 

She shared some poignant words about ‘reaching rock bottom’ after her ex James pushed her down some steps in Spain  

‘I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue.

‘Everybody knows that real friends support you and want to see you happy.

‘So I posted a story on Instagram. After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries.

‘He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. But he didn’t. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history.

‘I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house.

‘My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured.

‘Thanks to incredible neighbours who heard and saw what happened and acted, I got help. They called police, brought me to safety and ensured the incident was taken seriously.

‘A gentleman does not abuse you and end up in jail and call you the love of his life. A gentleman does not blame you for his actions.

The former Miss Sweden broke her silence on Instagram earlier this month and accused James of causing her ‘targeted emotional distress’

‘A gentleman will confide in his partner, family and close circle of friends, keeping them close and safe. A gentleman chooses you always and leaves the past in the past – including exes.

‘Life is to be lived together and not to please people who want to take advantage of you. At the end of the day, fame can only do so much – it’s all about being strong and growing together. 

‘Life is simply not a reality TV show, life is real. I have tried to understand why. I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are.

‘There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse – no matter how much love preceded it.

‘To those who questioned me for staying as long as I did: I stayed because I believed in love. I believed he and we could grow, could heal, could choose peace. But love doesn’t survive in chaos. And it cannot survive where violence lives.

‘To every woman reading this: if you’ve ever questioned your worth, your safety or your sanity in a relationship – this is your sign. You deserved to be loved with care and integrity. And you are not alone.

‘To the men: real strength is protection. Real love is safe. Be the kind of man who lifts women up – not one who breaks them down, neither by violence or silence.

‘To the future: never say never. I will get the little family I’ve always dreamed of and have my dream wedding to symbolise and celebrate true love in front of my dear family and friends.

‘I’m healing now. Slowly, bravely and unapologetically. I will rise and I will use my voice – not for vengeance but for truth. For every woman who’s been silenced by someone who said ‘I love you’ and then proved otherwise.

‘This is not just my story. It’s a reminder: abuse – whether emotional, psychological or physical – has no place in love.’

MailOnline contacted James’ representatives for comment at the time.

James was handed a six-month suspended sentence and a restraining order that prevents him from contacting Nicoline for a two-year period 

After accepting his suspended sentence, it was claimed that James moved on from the lawyers who represented him and hired a new legal team.

The lawyers have not been named and it marks his third legal team since the May 5 assault in Spain.

James has been ordered to attend a rehabilitation course aimed at addressing gender violence, and his new lawyers may work with him on the terms of this course.

Court papers obtained by The Sun showed James – who raked in £5,000-a-week last year – was only required to pay Nicoline £250 in damages.

Nicoline was left with cuts and bruises to her neck, arms, hand and leg after the fall, according to a court filing.

Prosecutors were reportedly pushing to charge James with wounding, which carries a jail sentence of up to nine months.

However, the ex-reality star eventually agreed to the lesser offence of mistreatment as part of a plea deal.

James was handed a six-month suspended sentence and a restraining order that prevents him from contacting Nicoline for a two-year period.

For free and confidential support, connect to a Women’s Aid support worker via their instant messaging service at chat.womensaid.org.uk.