They haven’t been pictured together for months and even unfollowed each other on social media, but Gemma Collins adamantly tells Closer her nuptials to fiancé Rami Hawash are very much still on.
Speaking at the Chelsea Flower Show, Gemma laughs, “I’m happier than ever with Rami, we’re still getting married and he’s still my baby daddy! I’m going to have a big bash like no one’s ever seen before, but I just don’t know why we have to rush it! I can get married at 50 if I want. We’re still completely in love and that’s all that matters!”
After previously telling Closer that she plans to have twins called Peaches and Cream, Gemma adds, “That’s definitely still happening. I don’t need to freeze my eggs, I’ll just have a baby when the time is right. I can’t wait!”
But while things appear to be smooth sailing now, that wasn’t always the case. Rami, 49, and Gemma, 42, originally began dating back in 2011 after meeting in a pub in Chigwell, Essex. The pair got engaged the following year, but eventually called things off, with Gemma claiming that she “wasn’t ready” for marriage at the time.
Then – following her toxic on/off relationship with co-star James Argent, 35, finally ending – Gemma and Rami reconciled in late 2020 when they bumped into each other at a Madonna concert in London. In December 2021, Gemma – who appeared on The Only Way Is Essex for seven years – confirmed that they were re-engaged, with the TOWIE star relishing her role as stepmum to Rami’s four-year-old son, Tristan.
And a big wedding isn’t the only thing Gemma’s planning. After bonding with Kim Kardashian’s best friend Jonathan Cheban when they starred together on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, Gemma says she’s finally ready to move to Hollywood.
Indeed the plus-size model – who’s partnered with brands like Walkers and DFS – says she’s got her eye on Rebel Wilson’s “funny big girl” roles after the Australian actress recently lost almost 6st.
Gemma explains, “Now that Rebel’s lost all that weight, they need someone to replace her and I’m absolutely perfect to step into her shoes. As well as comedy roles, I’d love to be a serious actress. It was obvious that I was always too big for Essex and reality TV. I was the only one who could act on the show.”
She continues, “I feel much more at home in Hollywood. People will be screaming my name from Sunset Boulevard!”
The reality star admits she was ready to make the move back in 2019 after signing to Piers Morgan and Mark Wright’s US agent, John Ferriter, but her plans were scuppered when John tragically died shortly afterwards.
Gemma reveals, “When John first saw me, he said I reminded him of a very young Lady Gaga. I had all the same star qualities as her. He was lining me up a slot on US show America’s Biggest Loser to introduce me to the American public. On the day we were meant to meet for lunch, I found out he was dead.”
But Gemma hasn’t let anything hold her back. From her humble beginnings as a car saleswoman, she’s accumulated a reported net worth of £7.3 million and loves to show off her lavish trips away and designer outfits to her 2.2 million Instagram followers.
“I’m richer than the Prime Minister,” jokes Gemma (referring to Rishi Sunak, who’s reportedly worth £730 million), but adds, “Well maybe not Rishi, but definitely Boris [Johnson]. But I’ll never forget my roots! It doesn’t change who you are deep down.”
However, one place where there’s clearly no expense spared is Gemma’s £1.3 million Essex mansion, which she often shares glimpses of with her followers. The former I’m A Celebrity! contestant bought the house in January 2021 and has been doing up the open plan property ever since, with pink furniture and a baby-blue kitchen.
Hinting at her extravagance, Gemma says, “Even my pool’s lined with sequins! It’s really bling but also sustainable. And I’ve got loads of staff running around everywhere.”
She continues, “My passion is gardening, I’m completely obsessed! I spend all the money I have on flowers. Gardening’s also great for your mental health because you’ve got to get out into nature!”
And Gemma – who recently signed a deal with New Look reportedly worth £1 million – says it’s all about having fun and enjoying herself this summer.
“Life’s short so it’s important to have fun,” concludes Gemma. “I’m looking forward to a summer with lots of adventures ahead. Stay tuned, babes!”