Gemma Collins is one of the UK’s most popular television stars. Gemma became famous for her bold personality and glamorous lifestyle on shows like The Only Way Is Essex. Her success is not limited to reality TV, but she has also become a successful businesswoman.
She is known for her bold personality, but there is much more to her story. From her early life in Essex to building her own fashion brands and facing personal struggles, Gemma’s journey shows hard work, strength, and self-belief.
This article takes a closer look at her life, career, business success, and the reasons why she continues to stay popular with fans today. Let’s read:
Table of Contents
Who is Gemma Collins?
Gemma Collins is one of the UK’s most famous reality TV personalities and media figures. She was born on 31 January 1981 in Romford, East London, England, and first became known to the public in the early 2010s. Gemma is best known for her bold personality. She has built a successful career in the entertainment and business industry.
Gemma became popular on the long-running reality show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), where her dramatic scenes made her a fan favourite. Beyond TV, she has launched businesses, hosted podcasts, starred in documentaries, and become an influential figure in pop culture.
Early Life and Background
Gemma grew up in a working-class family in Essex. Her early life was shaped by her passion for her performance. Her parents are Joan and Alan Collins, who raised her in Romford, Essex, with her older brother, named Russel. Gemma also spoke about her family’s support in many interviews, as to how they apparently encourage her goal and influence her earlier life as devoted parents.
Gemma Collins attended Sylvia Young Theatre School in her childhood. It is a well-known performing arts school, located in London, where many British entertainers begin their dream career. Later, she went to Frances Bardsley Academy for girls.
Before joining television, she worked in sales, such as car sales. This shows her compelling personality. Though she had not originally planned a life in showbiz, she soon caught the attention of TV producers. Her upbringing and education gave her confidence, but she was not born into fame.
Breakthrough on Reality TV
Gemma Collins’ big dream came in 2011 when she joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex. The show followed the lives of young people in Essex. This show blends real life with structured reality TV plans.
On TOWIE, Gemma became known for her dramatic moments, sometimes emotional scenes, and signature expressions that fans loved. The show gave her a platform to build a personality beyond the screen, and it quickly made her one of the most popular cast members.
Over the years, she remained a standout character until she left the show in 2019, having become one of its most stable stars.
Other TV Appearances and Projects
After TOWIE, Gemma didn’t slow down in entertainment. She went on to appear in many other well-known reality shows.
Some of Gemma’s most memorable TV appearances are:
I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2014): Gemma’s participation was memorable for unexpected challenges and a dramatic early exit, which has become part of TV folklore.
Celebrity Big Brother (2016): Here, Gemma reached the final stages and became a central figure in that series.
Celebs Go Dating (2018) and Dancing on Ice (2019): These shows allowed audiences to see different sides of Gemma — from dating advice to athletic performance on the ice.
She has also been in talks to return to I’m a Celebrity for a special “All Stars” edition. Gemma’s TV career has kept her in the public eye. She became versatile as a reality star.
Gemma Collins’ Own Shows
Beyond just competing on TV, Gemma has created her own shows that really showcase her personality.
One of the standout shows was the reality franchise Gemma Collins: Diva, which ran from 2018 right up to 2020. Those series – and I’m talking about the special episodes like Diva Espana too – looked at her life, what she was up to with her business, and who she was in all her relationships. Fans got to see a side of Gemma that wasn’t always visible on camera.
Then in 2022, Gemma took on a completely different kind of project with Self-Harm & Me, a documentary where she very bravely opened up about her self-harm and struggles with her mental health. The way she showed up in that documentary just really stuck with people, because it was so raw and honest. Many people were able to really relate to what she was going through.
Gemma has also been hosting The Gemma Collins Podcast since 2019, right up until it wound down in 2024. That was a chance for her to really connect with the fans on a more personal level and have some real conversations about life, love, and the things that really matter to her. The show was just the right mix of fun and serious.
Looking forward to 2026 now, Gemma will be starring in a brand new reality series called Four Weddings and a Baby. This one is the story of her journey towards getting married and having a kid, now that she’s engaged to her long-term partner. This show is sure to give fans an even greater glimpse into what’s really going on behind the scenes of her life.
Business Ventures and Brand Work
Gemma’s success isn’t limited to television. She has also built a solid business career. She launched her own plus-size clothing brand, which offered stylish options for women who often struggle to find fashionable clothing. She also opened fashion boutiques in Brentwood, Essex, which became popular among fans who wanted to buy her designs. Gemma has collaborated with well-known retailers and released beauty products, including fragrances and makeup. She is also partnering with other companies.
Gemma’s business activities have helped her earn significant income beyond her TV appearances. According to reports, her net worth is estimated at around $4 million, with earnings coming from television, fashion, endorsements, and social media.
Personal Life and Relationships
Gemma’s personal life has been a bit of a big deal in the public eye – she’s not been shy about sharing the highs and lows of her life.
For many years, Gemma Collins relationship with fellow TOWIE star James “Arg” Argent was a headline topic. Today, Gemma is engaged to Rami Hawash. He is a businessman. The couple’s engagement was announced in 2024 after several years together.
Personal Struggles
Gemma has been candid about her struggles with fertility, revealing that she has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and has experienced miscarriages. She is also a step-mother to Rami’s son, Tristan, and often shares moments of family life on social media.
Health, Transformation & Recent Changes
In recent years, Gemma has experienced a physical transformation. Since November 2024, she has been taking NHS-approved weight loss injections called Mounjaro. This has helped her reduce her clothing size significantly and change her relationship with food. She has said that the injections have helped her stop obsessing over eating, and now she typically eats one meal a day.
Her weight loss has not been without challenges. She has spoken publicly about experiencing side effects. Her journey hasn’t been easy.
Gemma also revealed that she battled pneumonia in 2025, which caused fatigue and slowed her work schedule.
Her mother, Joan, also faced serious illness with pneumonia in 2025, and Gemma shared emotional updates as her mother recovered.
Financial Success
According to the celebritynetworth, Gemma Collins’ net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. She earned all her financial success through her reality TV appearances, business ventures, fashion collaborations, and social medi$4a work.
Final Thought
Throughout this entire article, we learn about Gemma Collins and her professional and personal life. She is a reality TV star and also a businesswoman.
Gemma faces many struggles in her life, but still, she maintains all chaos with confidence. She is a loving wife and a devoted mother who always prioritizes her family. Her life is not just about fame, but about growth and authenticity. In this story, she proves herself as a very strong woman who is not only careful about her profession but also a supporter of her husband and children.
FAQs
What does Gemma Collins call herself and why?
Gemma often refers to herself as “The GC.” It started as a fun nickname on The Only Way Is Essex, but it later became part of her personal brand.
Did Gemma Collins work a normal job before TV fame?
Yes. Before joining reality television, Gemma worked in car sales and retail. She lived a regular working life before becoming famous.
Why did Gemma leave “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” early?
Gemma exited the jungle early because she found the harsh conditions difficult, including hunger and fear of bugs. The moment became famous and is still talked about years later.
Is Gemma Collins active on social media?
Very much. She has millions of followers on Instagram, where she shares daily life, fashion, travel, and family moments. Social media is also one of her main sources of income.
