Gemma Collins ‘overwhelmed’ as James Argent gives her surprise birthday gift

HBD GC

Gemma Collins

by Marianna Manson |
Updated on

Gemma ‘The GC’ Collins celebrated turning 40 this weekend and was treated to a special gift from ex-boyfriend James ‘Arg’ Argent.

Taking to her Instagram to mark the big day, the former TOWIE diva thanked friends, family and fans for their birthday message and dedicated a post to Arg, who gifted her an elaborate balloon display.

“I’m so overwhelmed with the gifts and flowers and everything being sent !!! Thank you,” she wrote across one Instagram story. “Thank you Arg for the lovely balloons.”

She also shared number of hilarious videos made by fans and one by her old pals and former co-star Charlie King.

Gemma and Arg have been dating on-and-off for years but in 2020 split for good after a number of arguments between them.

However, last month they were spotted exercising together in London and a source told Closer that after her parents both became seriously ill with Covid 19, Arg has been “her rock”.

CHECK OUT: Gemma Collins' best diva moments of all time

Gallery

Gemma Collins' best diva moments of all time - slider

Celebrity Big Brother1 of 12
CREDIT: Channel 5/Celebrity Big Brother

When Gemma paraded through the Big Brother garden with a Shetland pony

When the Celebrity Big Brother stars were asked what one-off luxury they would like to be treated to in the isolated house, what did Gemma ask for? Contact with her family? Nope. A pamper treatment? Not quite... No, the GC asked for none other than a Shetland pony - which she proceeded to dance with around the garden. While stroking the pony, Gemma exclaimed "I want pink ones with glitter in their hair".

Dancing on Ice2 of 12
CREDIT: Getty images

When Matt Evers saved Gemma's precious blow-dry from the rain

Matt Evers protects Gemma Collin's fabulous blow-dry whilst leaving himself to become soaked in the rain on the Dancing on Ice red carpet.

Dancing on Ice3 of 12
CREDIT: ITV / Dancing on Ice

When Gemma slipped during her Dancing on Ice routine

The 2019 series of Dancing on Ice is the gift that keeps on giving and poor old Gemma had viewers glued to their screens when she tripped over her foot and skidded across the ice. Ouch. The TOWIE queen soon picked herself up and styled through her ice-skating miss-hap. Jason Gardiner reportedly suggested that Gemma's fall was karma for her diva tantrum the week before.

National Television Awards 20194 of 12
CREDIT: Getty images

When Gemma's entourage fixed her dress on the NTAs red carpet

Can you even call yourself a diva if you don't enlist a personal helper on the red carpet? The GC had her entourage to hand, ready to smooth out any creases in her glamorous dress.

I'm a celebrity get me out of here5 of 12
CREDIT: ITV/I'm a celebrity get me out of here

When she spent 72 hours in the jungle

Gemma famously lasted just 72 hours in the I'm a Celebrity jungle, but she still managed to make the nation laugh with her outrageous behaviour. The TOWIE star even insisted "People that murdered get treated better than this, and thats the truth. Even a murderer gets fed three times a day."

TOWIE6 of 12
CREDIT: ITV2/TOWIE

Gemma's infamous candy scene

Ah, the early days of Gemma and Arg's relationship. The GC was filmed in a Marbella special, when she famously told on/off boyfriend Arg "Don't ever disrespect a girl like that again. Take a good look at this, you ain't ever gonna get this candy.", before dropping her throw and strutting away in a black swimsuit.

Jonathan Cheban7 of 12
CREDIT: Getty images

Gemma's friendship with Kim K's BFF

Gemma made pals with no other than Kim K's best-friend, Jonathan Cheban in Big Brother, where she told him "By the time you're finished with me, I'm gonna be a Gem-dashian." The stars have been friends ever since and Jonathan even flies over to the UK to visit Gemma, where the pair go on fancy shopping trips to Harrods together.

The GC: How to Be a Diva8 of 12
CREDIT: Headline Publishing group

When she was a total diva in an interview

Anyone else still cringe when they remember that painfully awkward chat between Gemma and an interviewer who hadn't read her book? The GC had a major diva-meltdown when she found out the journalist hadn't been seen a copy before holding the interview, thus ending the call, "Darling, don't worry, we're going to get the book publishers to send everyone doing an interview the book. Thank you, bye!"

Gemma Collins VS Jason Gardiner9 of 12
CREDIT: ITV/Dancing on Ice

When Gemma went into full GC mode on Jason Gardiner

Dancing on Ice has been full of feisty celeb dramas. Gemma didn't hold back after Jason Gardiner accused of her being lazy. The TOWIE star furiously shouted "Boring!" before yelling, "Don't sell stories on me." Poor Matt Evers couldn't even hide how awkward he felt...

Lawrence Hearn10 of 12
CREDIT: Instagram

When she dumped her date live on Loose Women

Ah, poor Laurence Hearn - the charming man that attempted to win over Gemma, only to be dumped live on Loose Women weeks later. OUCH.

Celebrity Big Brother11 of 12
CREDIT: Channel 5/Celebrity Big Brother

Basically, her entire time in the CBB house

Other hilarious moments from Gemma's stint in the Big Brother house included yelling at producers, "I don't need the money! I've got money!". She also got upset when Big Brother failed to provide professional blow-dries: "This is very expensive hair and its all frazzled, because you've only got straighteners in here, you haven't got heated rollers. So, you can pay for me to have a new set of extensions. Straighteners are what weirdos use on their hair."

BBC Teen Choice Awards12 of 12
CREDIT: Getty images

And when she fell down the trap door at the Teen Choice Awards

Talking of Gemma's tumbles - how could anyone forget her iconic fall down the trap door at the BBC1 Radio Teen Choice Awards?

Gemma Collins IG
She was gifted this impressive display ©Gemma Collins IG

“Arg has been a huge support to Gemma over the past few weeks, especially with her parents’ illness.

“He’s shown how far he’s come on his sobriety journey – checking-in on her constantly and being on the other end of the phone for her whenever she needs a shoulder to cry on.

“While the lockdown restrictions have made it hard to see each other, they’ve been for a couple of walks – adhering to the rules of seeing one person outside their household.”

WATCH: First Time Mum's Ferne McCann reveals messages from her NEW MAN

James Argent Gemma Collins
James and Gemma in happier times ©Getty

READ MORE

Anna Vakili reveals lockdown body transformation

Vicky Pattison issues warning to fans over 'sly old dog' Gaz

Katie Price shares Harvey's adorable reaction to dream job offer

Speaking ahead of her big day, Gemma said, “As I approach turning 39+1 tomorrow I am reflecting on what an incredible life I have had so far. I will deliver my full speech tomorrow but I am overwhelmed with the troves of gifts arriving I’m just so excited to open them all.”

She added, “But the biggest gift of all is my dad who is recovering slowly and things are looking positive small steps but he’s getting stronger daily.”

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us