She’s one of TOWIE’s biggest success stories, and when Closer sits down with Gemma Collins to chat, she reveals she’s thriving on a new health kick and is plotting her return to reality TV.
Since rising to fame on TOWIE in 2011, Gemma has accumulated 2.2 million followers on Instagram, built a lucrative six-figure empire and become a UK reality star icon thanks to her alter-ego, the GC.
And after updating Closer earlier in the summer about her health journey with viral food guru Eddie Abbew, Gemma, 43, now opens up about her brand-new diet plan, which she has credited for helping her drop from a size 24 to a size 20.
As well as practising new habits, Gemma – who is engaged to Rami Hawash and a proud step-mum to his young son Tristan – also gives her take on boundary-setting, a TOWIE comeback, travelling smartly, and why she’s ready to return to the reality TV circuit.
What’s your health and fitness regime at the moment?
I’ve been doing the Fibre First [diet with Steve Bennett] and eating noodles that are six calories. They are life-changing and massively fill me up. Apart from the noodles, I’ve been having a bit of ice cream and strawberries.
Are you still working with Eddie?
He is such an amazing guy. But it all comes down to you doesn’t it, and if you’re going to stick to it. I’ve been working with Steve at Fibre First, and he’s been amazing. I’m really lucky to have access to such amazing people who can help on those days when you’re just like, ‘I want a cake’.
How are you keeping fit?
I love walking. I breathe in the green grass, and I smell and hug the trees. A day not moving or having fun is a day wasted. But you’re never going to see me doing 20 burpees. I can’t stand the gym – they smell and they’re intimidating.
What have you learned about yourself with being in the spotlight?
It’s always important to set boundaries. People will always take liberties with you, and if you do put a boundary in place, you’re seen as a diva. But I’ve always stood my ground. People know where they are with me. You’ve just got to be really strong in this industry. I’m tough in showbiz, but behind closed doors… God, I’ve only got to look at my dog and I melt. I’m very different when I’m not working.
What are the pros and cons of being famous?
You sometimes feel like everyone else’s property, but it’s a small price to pay. My time is really precious, so if I’m having a date night or family time and it keeps getting interrupted, I get more stressed for them.
How have you changed since your first days on TV?
You have to grow a thick skin. What I do when I’m being the GC is work. I’ve got my façade, and that comes off the minute I’m not working. Then I just switch back to being Gemma.
Who came up with the GC?
Samantha Faiers. She called me the GC during [TOWIE] filming and I thought, “Oh, that’s good.” It just stuck. I’ve got her to thank for that.
Would you ever return to TOWIE?
I absolutely love the show. Never say never. I wouldn’t be living the life I live if it wasn’t for TOWIE.
What would it take for you to go back into the Big Brother house?
I’d need about £5 million and the Sharon Osbourne treatment. I think she did it beautifully. She got up when she wanted to get up, came out with her hair and make-up done, and her outfit put together.
Are your reality TV days behind you?
I had a bit of a rest from it all, because I was living a reality life, not a real life. I had to have a bit of a break to let my own life flow. In reality TV, there’s got to be something new every day. I’ve had that time now and I’m ready to come back.
Would you ever follow in Chloe Sims’s footsteps and relocate to the States?
I’m an Essex girl, but if my work took me [to America] I’d go. But home is where the heart is. When I sit around the table and have a cup of tea in my garden with Chloe, no amount of money can beat that.
What can we expect to see from the GC for the rest of the year?
More fabulousness, more empowerment, praying for peace around the world, and just living my best life, hun.
Finally, can you share your worst GC travel disaster?
I bought these limited-edition Gucci glasses but left them on the plane and didn’t get them back. But now I’m travelling with the SMARTY Mobile robe, I can get everything in its 23 pockets.
SMARTY has partnered with frequent flyer Gemma Collins to unveil The Roam Free Robe, helping holiday goers avoid those pesky excess baggage charges this summer. With EU Roaming up to 12GB included as standard – customers can avoid unexpected charges to their bill.