Gemma Collins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gemma Collins
Collins in 2021
Born	Gemma Clair Collins (1981-01-31) 31 January 1981 (age 44) Romford, London, England
Education	Sylvia Young Theatre School Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls
Occupation	Media personality businesswoman
Years active	2011–present
Partner(s)	Rami Hawash (2011–2014; 2020–present)

Gemma Clair Collins (born on January 31, 1981) is a well-known English television personality and businesswoman. She became famous for appearing on the ITVBe reality show The Only Way Is Essex from 2011 to 2019. After that, Gemma appeared on many other reality TV shows, including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! (2014), Celebrity Big Brother (2016), Celebs Go Dating (2018), and Dancing on Ice (2019). In 2018, she started her own reality show series called Gemma Collins: Diva. The next year, she began hosting a podcast on BBC Sounds.

Early Life and Education

Gemma Collins was born on January 31, 1981, in Romford, East London. Her mother, Joan, worked as a hairdresser, and her father, Alan, ran a shipping company. Gemma has an older brother named Russell. Soon after she was born, her family moved, and Gemma grew up in Rise Park. She attended Rise Park Infant School. Gemma has described her childhood as being "filled with love." She remembers many happy family holidays, even though money was sometimes "tight."

Gemma later went to Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls. From a young age, she loved performing. She took dance lessons and attended stage school. When she was 14, she started going to the Sylvia Young Theatre School. She successfully auditioned for a part in the musical The Sound of Music. Gemma's mother always encouraged her, believing she would become famous one day. Gemma faced bullying at school because she was outgoing and confident. After her father's business became successful, her parents moved her to a private school for her final year. She left school at 16. Gemma once said, "I remember sitting in the exam room for my maths GCSE and thinking, 'I'm going to be famous, I don't need maths.'"

After leaving school, Gemma worked different jobs. She had a Saturday job at a clothes shop called Warehouse. Then she became a waitress at a local pub. She briefly studied media but found it boring. Gemma also worked at another clothes shop, Benetton, and spent a few weeks caring for people in a care home. Later, she worked at a recruitment agency in London. She then became a receptionist at a BMW car dealership, where she trained to become a car sales executive.

Television Career Highlights

Gemma Collins first appeared on television in a documentary called Snobs in 2000. The show looked at people from different social backgrounds. After this, Gemma visited an agent who told her she had a great personality but suggested she try to lose some weight for TV.

In 2011, a friend's mother suggested Gemma to the producers of the ITV2 reality series The Only Way Is Essex. At the time, Gemma was selling used cars. The producers filmed her and her friends for two weeks. She was then cast in the show and started appearing in its second series in 2011. Her first scene was selling a car to Kirk Norcross. Her mother, Joan, also joined the show in 2012.

In April 2013, Gemma released her first book, Basically...: My Life as a Real Essex Girl, which was very popular. In January 2014, Gemma took part in the ITV diving competition Splash!. She had some injuries during training and had to overcome her fear of water. She was the third celebrity to be eliminated. In November 2014, she joined I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! on ITV. She left the show early after 72 hours due to health reasons.

On January 5, 2016, Gemma entered the Celebrity Big Brother house for its seventeenth series. She was the seventh housemate to be evicted after 29 days. In October 2016, Gemma appeared on Sky News. She spoke out against the term "Essex girl" in the dictionary, saying it was unfair and stereotypical. She wanted the meaning changed. The term was later removed from one dictionary in 2020.

In January 2017, Gemma took part in Sugar Free Farm, where celebrities tried a sugar-free diet. She even tried fishing on the show. In June 2017, Gemma returned to Big Brother as a special guest. In October 2017, she presented an award at the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards. After announcing the winner, she accidentally fell through an opening in the stage. The video became very popular online, and she later said it could have been serious. Many other videos of Gemma from her TV appearances have also become popular online as memes.

Diva Shows and Other Appearances

In January 2018, Gemma appeared on Celebrity 100% Hotter to change her style. She admitted she was "terrified" about the makeover. In February 2018, she took part in Celebs Go Dating. She had some dramatic moments on the show, including leaving a date early and missing another. In June 2018, she released her second book, The GC: How to Be a Diva, offering advice on confidence. She shared that someone helped her write it. She also appeared in an advert for Netflix's Orange Is the New Black.

Gemma then starred in Gemma Collins: Diva España, a special reality TV show that aired in August 2018. In September 2018, Gemma took part in Celebrity MasterChef. Her sea bass dish didn't impress the judges, and she was eliminated. On December 24, 2018, Gemma participated in a celebrity special of All Together Now. She performed "Big Spender" and "This Is Me", finishing in third place.

In 2019, Gemma competed in Dancing on Ice with professional partner Matt Evers. While on the show, she had a disagreement with one of the judges. In week four, Gemma had a fall during a live performance, injuring her knee. Despite the fall, she and Matt received their highest scores. They were eliminated in week six.

Collins outside the BBC Broadcasting House filming a trailer for The Gemma Collins Podcast in August 2019

In April 2019, Gemma began filming her own reality series, Gemma Collins: Diva Forever. The show premiered in August 2019 and was very popular. A second series was planned, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production was paused. Instead, Gemma filmed a special series, Gemma Collins: Diva on Lockdown, from her home. In August 2019, Gemma started hosting The Gemma Collins Podcast on BBC Sounds. In August 2020, she began hosting a second podcast, The Gemma Collins Love Lounge. In October 2020, Gemma Collins: Diva Forever & Ever premiered.

On December 11, 2020, Gemma released a charity single, a cover of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with her Celebrity Big Brother co-star Darren Day. The money raised went to Rethink Mental Illness. In February 2021, Gemma appeared on Piers Morgan's Life Stories, where she talked about her life, career, and challenges, including dealing with online negativity. Gemma also appeared as a special guest on RuPaul's Drag Race UK to judge a segment of the show.

In December 2021, Gemma appeared on the Christmas Special of The Weakest Link. She was voted off after incorrectly answering a question. Gemma also returned to Celebrity MasterChef for the Christmas Cook-Off episode. She was praised for some of her dishes, and judge Gregg Wallace called her mushroom sauce "magnificent."

Business Ventures and Endorsements

Fashion and Beauty Collections

In July 2012, Gemma launched her first clothing collection online for plus-size women. She was inspired by her own experience of wanting stylish clothes in all sizes. In December 2012, Gemma attended the Clothes Show Live and won the "Best Designer" award at the British Plus Size Awards in 2013. She also partnered with the fashion brand Simply Be and opened branches of their stores. In 2014, she opened her own clothing boutique in Brentwood, called Gemma Collins Clothing. She opened a second boutique later that year. In April 2015, Gemma launched a fashion range with the retailer Evans.

In November 2017, Gemma worked with the fashion website Boohoo.com to release a clothing range for plus-sized women. The next year, they released a swimwear collection together.

In September 2019, Gemma released her first perfume, Diva Pink, a scent for everyone. She has also launched two lipsticks and her own range of false eyelashes.

In March 2020, Gemma announced her partnership with the fashion company InTheStyle. They released a collection of T-shirts, sweaters, and pyjamas featuring her popular quotes and memes. Following its success, they collaborated again in September, launching her first plus-size collection with the brand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gemma also released her own range of hand sanitizers and face masks.

In March 2021, Gemma teamed up with The London Aesthetics Company to launch GemmaCollagen, her own skincare and collagen supplement line. This collection included cleansers, creams, and a marine collagen supplement that aims to help skin, hair, and joints. Her products were even featured in Grazia magazine's list of "Best Collagen Supplements."

In May 2022, Gemma partnered with the fashion retailer New Look. She signed a deal to create her own clothing collection, which included bikinis, tops, and dresses, available in many sizes. The collection was inspired by glamorous places around the world and also featured jewelry and accessories. It launched online and in stores. In June 2022, she worked with the hair care brand Aussie to promote their "Deeep Moisture" range, sharing how the product helped her hair.

Brand Partnerships and Campaigns

Collins opening the new Elf Concierge Service at Heathrow Express in December 2023

In May 2019, Gemma teamed up with Just Eat to appear in an online advert. She tried new chicken fries from Burger King to promote them on the food delivery service.

In April 2020, Gemma collaborated with Cocoa Plus to release her own range of chocolate bars. She has since released other sweets, including luxury truffles and an Easter egg. In July 2020, Gemma became the face of the low-cost airline Wizz Air. As their brand ambassador, she shared travel tips and encouraged people to "fly like the GC!" In October, Gemma worked with Zymurgorium, a distillery in Manchester, to launch her own special gin liqueur. In November 2020, Gemma partnered with an online gaming company to raise awareness about the hidden struggles of problem gambling, a cause important to her.

In August 2021, Gemma was announced as the new face of the laundry detergent brand Surf. She released her own limited edition detergent and capsules as part of their "Diva Divine" range. In October 2021, Gemma became a speaker at Big Business Events. She shared her tips for business growth and her own experiences during a three-day event. In November 2021, Gemma announced her collaboration with Amazon Handmade. She worked with interior designers to create a special collection of homeware, skincare, and gift items for Christmas. In December 2021, Gemma took part in a debate at the Oxford Union as part of an advertising campaign for Sainsbury's. She argued that modern dishes should be served on Christmas Day instead of traditional ones. Gemma won the debate. On December 8 and 9, she took part in "On Trend," a shopping experience broadcast live on TikTok.

In May 2022, Gemma collaborated with the snack food company Walkers for their "Crisp In or Crisp Out" campaign. Gemma appeared in an advert with other celebrities, arguing to "keep crisps in" sandwiches. In June, she visited the town of Sandwich in Kent to debate against another celebrity. The residents of Sandwich voted, and Gemma won the debate, being crowned "President of Sandwich."

In July 2022, Gemma worked with the online game Bingo Blitz. She completed a week of challenges to promote the game, including sharing her morning routine and performing a dance.

Personal Life

Gemma Collins lives in Roxwell, Chelmsford, in a barn conversion she bought in 2021. She calls it her "dream home" and has added a swimming pool and a summer house. Gemma enjoys gardening and loves plants. She is also passionate about animals and nature. Her home and garden feature several life-size animal sculptures, including a horse with a disco ball and an elephant. She even donated money to an environmental art campaign that helps elephants.

Relationships

In 2012, Gemma dated fellow The Only Way Is Essex cast member Charlie King, who later shared that he was gay. After their split, Gemma started a relationship with Rami Hawash, whom she had dated before in 2011. They got engaged on December 25, 2013, but the engagement ended a few weeks later.

Gemma briefly dated James Argent in 2012. She later reunited with Rami Hawash in December 2017, and they were in an on-and-off relationship until July 2020.

In July 2021, Gemma confirmed she had rekindled her relationship with her ex-fiancé, Rami Hawash. They reconnected after meeting at a Madonna concert. In December 2021, Gemma announced that they were engaged for the second time. She has also shared her hopes to start a family and is a stepmother to Rami's son.

Filmography

Guest Appearances

• Snobs (January 13, 2000) – 1 episode
• Loose Women (16 September 2011, 1 March 2012, 26 April 2013, 3 October 2013, 24 February 2014, 4 February 2016, 4 March 2016, 3 March 2017, 6 April 2017, 7 September 2017, 2 March 2018, 27 June 2018, 11 February 2019, 20 February 2019, 19 March 2019, 6 August 2020) – 16 episodes
• I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! NOW! (23–25 November 2011, 16 November 2015) – 4 episodes
• Peter Andre: My Life (December 14, 2011) – 1 episode
• That Sunday Night Show (January 8, 2012) – 1 episode
• Celebrity Juice (15 March 2012, 9 May 2013, 11 April 2019, 24 October 2019, 12 November 2020) – 5 episodes
• This Morning (30 March 2012, 2 April 2012, 4 April 2012, 31 August 2012, 19 September 2012, 18 January 2013, 5 April 2013, 19 April 2013, 24 April 2013, 28 November 2014, 3 December 2014, 4 December 2014, 13 May 2015, 5 February 2016, 4 July 2016, 2 August 2016, 30 April 2018, 1 October 2018, 7 January 2019, 23 January 2019, 4 February 2019, 11 February 2019, 14 August 2019, 18 December 2019) – 24 episodes
• The Big Quiz (April 15, 2012) – 1 episode
• 8 Out of 10 Cats (15 June 2012, 25 January 2013, 28 January 2020) – 3 episodes
• Big Brother's Bit on the Side (4 July 2012, 28 July 2013, 13 May 2015, 16 June 2017) – 4 episodes
• Let's Do Lunch with Gino & Mel (August 29, 2012) – 1 episode
• Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side (6 September 2012, 9 January 2013, 1 September 2013, 19 August 2014, 29 January 2015, 2 February 2016, 4–5 February 2016, 1 August 2017) – 9 episodes
• Fake Reaction (January 3, 2013) – 1 episode
• 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Deal or No Deal (January 4, 2013) – 1 episode
• Food Glorious Food (April 24, 2013) – 1 episode
• Sunday Side Up (December 29, 2013) – 1 episode
• Who's Doing the Dishes? (October 3, 2014) – 1 episode
• Phillip's Live 24-Hour TV Marathon (December 1, 2014) – 1 episode
• Mel & Sue (January 14, 2015) – 1 episode
• If Katie Hopkins Ruled the World (August 6, 2015) – 1 episode
• Kendra on Top (August 21, 2015) – 1 episode
• Keep It in the Family (August 22, 2015) – 1 episode
• Safeword (August 27, 2015) – 1 episode
• Tina Malone: My New Body (October 1, 2015) – 1 episode
• Tricked (October 27, 2015) – 1 episode
• The Wright Stuff (February 4, 2016) – 1 episode
• Virtually Famous (March 8, 2016) – 1 episode
• In Therapy (July 5, 2016) – 1 episode
• It's Not Me, It's You (July 29, 2016) – 1 episode
• Alan Carr's Specstacular (December 31, 2016) – 1 episode
• Through the Keyhole (February 4, 2017) – 1 episode
• BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards (22 October 2017, 21 October 2018)
• Celebrity 100% Hotter (January 25, 2018) – 1 episode
• The Generation Game (April 1, 2018) – 1 episode
• Livin' with Lucy (September 10, 2018) – 1 episode
• ReFreshers Week Presented By Strongbow (October 1, 2018) – 1 episode
• Your Face or Mine? (October 3, 2018) – 1 episode
• Good Morning Britain (30 October 2018, 19 December 2018, 4 February 2019, 1 April 2019, 24 June 2019, 7 August 2019, 13 November 2019, 25 November 2019, 8 December 2020) – 9 episodes
• I'll Get This (December 4, 2018) – 1 episode
• Lorraine (4 January 2019, 18 January 2019, 23 January 2019, 8 March 2019, 9 September 2019, 30 September 2019, 15 November 2019) – 7 episodes
• The Jonathan Ross Show (March 9, 2019) – 1 episode
• The Real Housewives of Cheshire (22 April 2019, 11 November 2019) – 2 episodes
• The Crystal Maze (June 21, 2019) – 1 episode
• Celebrity Catchphrase (August 31, 2019) – 1 episode
• MTV Cribs UK (16 September 2019, 7 December 2020) – 2 episodes
• Dancing on Ice at Christmas (December 22, 2019) – 1 episode
• The Big Narstie Show (February 7, 2020) – 1 episode
• Inside Missguided: Made in Manchester (August 12, 2020) – 1 episode
• Rolling In It (August 15, 2020) – 1 episode
• Shopping with Keith Lemon (October 25, 2020) – 1 episode
• Celebrity Supply Teacher (November 17, 2020) – 1 episode
• The Wheel (19 December 2020, 18 December 2021) – 2 episodes
• Dancing on Ice (January 24, 2021) – 1 episode
• Piers Morgan's Life Stories (February 11, 2021) – 1 episode
• RuPaul's Drag Race UK (February 18, 2021) – 1 episode. Series 2, Episode 6: "Snatch Game"
• Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable (February 23, 2021) – 1 episode
• Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco Danceathon (November 16, 2021) – 1 episode
• Angela Scanlon's Ask Me Anything (November 27, 2021) – 1 episode
• The Weakest Link (December 23, 2021) – 1 episode
• Celebrity MasterChef: Christmas Cook-Off (December 23, 2021) – 1 episode
• The Travel Show (February 4, 2022) – 1 episode
• Springwatch (June 8, 2022) – 1 episode
• The Big Breakfast (20 August 2022, 27 August 2022, 3 September 2022) – 3 episodes

Awards and Nominations

National Reality Television Awards

British Plus Size Awards

National Television Awards

Podcasts

• The Gemma Collins Podcast (BBC Sounds, 2019)
• The Gemma Collins Love Lounge (BBC Sounds, 2020)