96 Facts About Gemma Collins

Gemma Clair Collins was born on 31 January 1981 and is an English media personality and businesswoman.

Gemma Collins came to prominence while appearing on the ITVBe reality series The Only Way Is Essex.

Gemma Clair Collins was born on 31 January 1981 at Oldchurch Hospital in Romford, East London.

Gemma Collins is the daughter of Joan Collins, who worked as a part-time hairdresser, and Alan Collins, the director of Unisystems Freight, an import-export shipping company.

Gemma Collins has an older brother named Russell, who is a director of their father's company.

Shortly after her birth, the family moved from a house in Collier Row and Gemma Collins was raised in Rise Park where she attended Rise Park Infant School.

Gemma Collins then went on to attend Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls.

Gemma Collins enjoyed performing arts from a young age and attended dance lessons and stage school.

Gemma Collins' mother was encouraging and said she knew that her daughter would one day become famous.

Gemma Collins was bullied at school for being outgoing and confident, and so following the success of her father's business, her parents decided to move her to Raphael Independent School, a private school, for her final year of education.

Gemma Collins left school at the age of 16 with a U in GCSE Maths.

Gemma Collins signed up to a media studies course at South Essex College but stopped attending after a few weeks as she found it boring.

Gemma Collins returned to her job at the clothes shop Benetton before spending a few weeks working in a care home, looking after people suffering from mental illnesses.

Gemma Collins then worked at a recruitment agency in London before becoming a receptionist in a BMW showroom, where she retrained to become a sales executive.

In 2011, Julie Childs, mother of Gemma Collins' friend Amy, suggested to producers of the ITV2 reality series The Only Way Is Essex that Gemma Collins, who was a used car sales woman at the time, would be an appropriate subject.

Gemma Collins became the third celebrity to be eliminated after losing the splash-off to Michaela Strachan in the first heat.

In October 2016, Gemma Collins appeared on Sky News where she was interviewed by Kay Burley about the campaign to remove the word "Essex girl" from the Oxford English Dictionary.

Gemma Collins described the definition, which stereotypes Essex girls as "unintelligent, promiscuous, and materialistic", as derogatory and suggested that the meaning be changed.

In January 2017, Gemma Collins took part in the second series of Sugar Free Farm, alongside five other celebrities as they attempted to live on a sugar-free diet.

In June 2017, Gemma Collins returned to Big Brother, as a special guest for a shopping task, alongside fellow ex-contestants Marnie Simpson and Nicola McLean.

In October 2017, Gemma Collins presented the BBC Radio 1 Teen Award for Best TV Show to Love Island and, after announcing the winner, fell through an opening in the stage.

Gemma Collins admitted she was "terrified" about having a makeover but said she was keen to try out some different trends.

Gemma Collins guest starred in a promotional advert for Netflix's Orange Is the New Black.

In September 2018, Gemma Collins took part in the thirteenth series of Celebrity MasterChef.

Gemma Collins was eliminated in the second round of the third heat after her sea bass served in greaseproof paper failed to impress the judges.

On 24 December 2018, Gemma Collins took part in a one-off celebrity special of All Together Now.

Gemma Collins first performed "Big Spender" by Shirley Bassey where she received a score of 88 after impressing the judges with her vocal ability, which secured her a place in the top 3.

Gemma Collins then sang "This Is Me" by Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman ensemble and subsequently finished in third place with a score of 39.

In 2019, Gemma Collins took part in the eleventh series of Dancing on Ice, alongside professional partner Matt Evers.

In week four, Gemma Collins suffered a fall during a live performance.

Gemma Collins fell on her face, nearly breaking her jaw and neck, and injured her knee significantly.

On 11 December 2020, Gemma Collins released a charity single, a cover of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" alongside her Celebrity Big Brother co-star Darren Day, with proceeds from the single going towards Rethink Mental Illness.

In February 2021, Gemma Collins appeared on Piers Morgan's Life Stories, where she discussed her early life, career, relationships, and miscarriages, as well as her struggles with her weight and online trolling.

Gemma Collins appeared as a special guest on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK to judge the Snatch Game segment of the show.

In December 2021, Gemma Collins appeared on the Christmas Special episode of The Weakest Link.

Gemma Collins was voted off in the second round after incorrectly answering a question about the number of beds in a twin room.

Gemma Collins returned to Celebrity MasterChef to compete in the Christmas Cook-Off episode, along with other former contestants Joe Swash, Les Dennis, Mica Paris and Rev Richard Coles.

Gemma Collins first cooked a sticky figgy pudding in which she mistook cranberries for chillies, but was praised for her second dishes of smoked mackerel pate and festive gnocchi.

Gemma Collins did not win the episode, however judge Gregg Wallace described her mushroom, chestnut and brandy sauce as "magnificent".

The tour began in Manchester on 5 April 2022 and Gemma Collins was joined by Stephen Bailey who assumed the role of presenter.

In May 2022, Gemma Collins was set to take over the role of Matron "Mama" Morton in the UK tour of the musical Chicago.

However a week before, it was announced that Gemma Collins had been forced to withdraw from the production due to a flare up of her knee injury that she sustained whilst competing on Dancing on Ice.

Gemma Collins was replaced by singer and Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards.

In June 2022, Gemma Collins appeared in an online segment for the BBC nature series Springwatch.

Gemma Collins visited Wild Ken Hill in Norfolk and was accompanied by Chris Packham and Hannah Stitfall, where she discussed her love of plants and wildlife and was advised on how to improve her garden before being given a tour around the site.

Gemma Collins said she was "honoured" to appear on the show and that she had been overwhelmed by the "beauty of nature".

In July 2012, Gemma Collins launched her debut plus-size clothing collection online, ranging from sizes 16 to 22.

Gemma Collins returned to the exhibition the following year and won the award for "Best Designer" at the British Plus Size Awards in 2013.

Gemma Collins teamed up with fashion brand Simply Be to launch her own collection which included a range of bright prints, dresses and jackets.

Gemma Collins opened the branches of the store at Highcross Leicester and MetroCentre in Gateshead, cutting the ribbon at the respective launch parties.

In September 2019, Gemma Collins released her debut perfume, Diva Pink.

Gemma Collins has launched two lipsticks, "Candy" and "Diva" as well as her own range of false eyelashes.

In March 2020, Gemma Collins announced her collaboration with fashion company InTheStyle, to release a collection of T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies and pyjamas featuring her viral quotes and memes.

In March 2021, Collins teamed up with The London Aesthetics Company to release GemmaCollagen, her own anti-ageing collagen supplement and skincare regime.

Gemma Collins, who is regularly complimented on her skin, worked alongside the company's director Amrit Bhandal to create an ultimate skincare collection which included a cleanser, a toner, a day cream and a facial mask, as well as an eye serum and an amino acid night repair serum.

Gemma Collins created a marine collagen supplement that included 90 capsules and was said to positively benefit the skin, hair, joints and muscles.

The exclusive collection designed by Gemma Collins herself, included bikinis, tops, dresses and jumpsuits available in sizes 8 to 28 that were inspired by "glamorous locations around the world" and featured a range of jewellery, shoes and accessories.

In May 2019, Gemma Collins teamed up with Just Eat to appear in an online advert where she tried the new chicken fries from Burger King to promote the latest addition to their menu, that were available on the food delivery service.

Gemma Collins has since released other confectionery including luxury truffles, an advent calendar, and an Easter egg.

In July 2020, Gemma Collins became the face of low-cost airline Wizz Air.

In November 2020, Gemma Collins partnered with the online casino PlayOJO to launch a faux fragrance, in order to raise awareness that problem gambling is the "addiction with no smell".

Gemma Collins admitted that the campaign was close to her heart having previously been around addicts in her life.

In October 2021, Gemma Collins became a speaker at Big Business Events, a business development service in which she offered her tips for business growth and shared her own experiences during a 3-day live event.

In December 2021, Gemma Collins took part in a debate at the Oxford Union which was part of an advertising campaign for Sainsbury's.

Gemma Collins argued that modern and alternative dishes should be served on Christmas Day as opposed to traditional Christmas food and stated that younger generations such as Gen Z would prefer unconventional dishes, endorsing the supermarket's festive food selection.

In May 2022, Gemma Collins announced her collaboration with snack food manufacturer Walkers as part of their "Crisp In or Crisp Out" campaign.

Gemma Collins featured in an advert alongside Ed Balls, Nigella Lawson, Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix with Gemma Collins and Lawson arguing to "keep crisps in" sandwiches.

The residents of Sandwich then cast their votes on whether crisps should be kept in or out, with the majority choosing the former, resulting in Gemma Collins winning the debate and being crowned "President of Sandwich".

In July 2022, Gemma Collins collaborated with the freemium online board and card game Bingo Blitz.

Gemma Collins's alter-ego was first created during the show's third series when Sam Faiers referred to her as "The GC".

Gemma Collins describes her alter-ego as an "intervention" and says she and The GC are "very different people".

Gemma Collins is a homely girl who loves watering hanging baskets.

Gemma Collins's influences include Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton.

Gemma Collins has appeared in numerous campaigns for the animal rights organisation PETA.

In 2020, Gemma Collins was photographed in a bathtub to highlight the fact that marine animals are separated from their families and confined to concrete tanks.

Gemma Collins has been a subject of press and tabloid attention since she first began appearing on The Only Way Is Essex in 2011.

Gemma Collins has a large following on social media, having amassed over 2 million followers on Instagram and over 1 million on Twitter.

Gemma Collins has stated that she only endorses products that she believes in.

Gemma Collins is widely known for her diva meltdowns and recognisable catchphrases during her appearances on television and in the media, and as a result became the subject of numerous internet memes.

Gemma Collins is the most frequently impersonated celebrity on the Snatch Game on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, having been portrayed by Cheryl Hole and Kitty Scott-Claus in the first and third series respectively.

Gemma Collins gained notoriety for her falls at the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards and on Dancing on Ice, the former of which was included in the "Fall of Shame" segment on The Wendy Williams Show in America.

In September 2020, Gemma Collins was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by online pranksters Josh Pieters and Archie Manners.

Gemma Collins has described the house as her "dream home" and has had multiple renovations including a swimming pool and a summer house.

Gemma Collins enjoys gardening and has expressed her love of plants.

In 2012, Gemma Collins dated fellow The Only Way Is Essex cast member Charlie King.

In November 2014, Gemma Collins was assaulted by her then boyfriend, Alexander Moss, at her former home in Warley.

Gemma Collins briefly dated James Argent in 2012, before reuniting with ex-boyfriend, Rami.

Gemma Collins said Argent's addiction made her feel "suicidal" and caused her to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result.

In July 2021, Gemma Collins confirmed she had rekindled her relationship with ex-fiance, Rami Hawash, several months previously after she was spotted wearing her engagement ring in April.

Gemma Collins discussed her plans to have a baby with Hawash as well as a television show to document the pregnancy and baby's birth.

Gemma Collins began self-harming as a teenager and did so until her early thirties.

In 2004, Gemma Collins had an abortion when she was around three months pregnant after doctors told her that her baby would most likely be born Intersex.

Gemma Collins suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome and in January 2012, she suffered a miscarriage and gave birth to a four and a half month old foetus on her landing the day before she attended the 17th National Television Awards.

In July 2020, Gemma Collins suffered a third miscarriage, which she initially suspected to be a heavy period, after which she wrote an open letter to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex detailing her struggles with infertility and thanking her for her "bravery and honesty" for opening up about her own miscarriage.

Gemma Collins previously admitted her fear about never becoming a mother but has said she "won't give up hope" and hopes to conceive naturally one day.

In 2021, Gemma Collins had her botox and fillers removed, stating that she "didn't look like herself" and wanted to instead opt for a more natural look.