Gemma Collins: ‘I’m too busy being fabulous!’
Gemma Collins reveals her real feelings about former DOI judge Jason Gardiner, the pros and cons of fame – and the constant struggle when you’re a gal who loves her food...
When best meets Essex queen and TOWIE star Gemma Collins in her Brentford manor, we’re not sure what to expect. But as she sweeps into the room exuding glam, we are not disappointed. Gemma, 38, is happy to talk about her notorious stint on ITV’s Dancing onIce - she’s returning next month for the Christmas special – her outrageous reality show DivaForever, and her no-holds-barred BBC podcast, both recommissioned for next year. Yet talk of her on/off boyfriend, Arg, is off the menu...
You were the star of
Dancing on Ice in January. Looking forward to the Christmas special? Definitely! Obviously I’m not on the show full-time, but you never know, they might pull me in mid-way through to do a Beyoncé number again. But it would be nice to give the contestants of 2020 their moment instead of me all the time! I am excited to be involved, it’s got a lovely, fun, family atmosphere to it.
How did you feel when Jason Gardiner – the judge you clashed with – left the show?
I’m glad he got sacked. It was in their duty of care for ITV to clamp down on all that sort of thing. There’s having a laugh and there’s taking it too far. Karma is a beautiful thing. And karma did the right thing and John Barrowman is now filling his boots. So see you later, honey! Next! There is criticism – and there is insulting someone.
What would you say to other celebrity contestants?
It’s hard – but an amazing experience. My partner Matt Evers and I are still really good friends. I said that he could stay at mine all over Christmas while he’s doing the show, and he likes my roast dinners – so I’ll be feeding him up. Actually, I’d love to be a judge on the show. Me and John Barrowman get on famously, so you never know – they might put me in. It’s been an amazing year, and it’s not finished yet. I’ve got a lot to thank Dancing on Ice for, because it set me up for the rest of 2019.
‘I don’t know what’s next in my life – it’s scary, but I’ll enjoy it, whatever’
How do you cope with people being nasty on social media?
I’d never waste my time reacting to trolls. I’m too busy being fabulous! But it is affecting lives, and it’s sad to see talented people like Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson being abused. Jesy is beautiful. I’ve seen her perform and to realise how she was feeling inside made me feel really upset. When I was in LA, I found people so positive, bigging everyone up. In the UK, it’s all about tearing everybody down. But Instagram, Twitter and Facebook need to do something. They’ve got the power.
You’ve said you want a baby before 40…
Yes, but I don’t know what’s going to happen! That’s the thing. But I can have children, so that’s amazing. I have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), so I was concerned about being able to have kids. I don’t know what’s coming next in my life. It’s scary, but I’ll enjoy it, whatever.
What kind of reaction do you get from fans?
Fans come up to me and scream, ‘Gem, we love you, you’re hilarious!’ And they’re like, ‘ You look great.’ I’ve always had so much confidence, no matter what my size was. I’m like, ‘Hey, this is me, let’s enjoy life’ – then the scales start going up, and I’m thinking, I’m going to have a heart attack any day now, I need to watch what I’m eating!
Have you any plans to return to TOWIE?
I’m too busy at the minute. I loved the show, but I’m not a TOWIE girl anymore, my life has changed. I would still be on the show but now you can’t reference a famous person on it so it all gets a bit tricky, and there are lots of younger people on it now. It’s nice to see them have their chance.
Do you want to crack Hollywood?
America’s calling! They’re all calling, to be honest. I said to my agent the other day, ‘No offence, but I’m going to have to get a private jet, because I have to be in so many places at the same time.’ I am happy and the sky really is the limit!
The Dancing on Ice Christmas special is on ITV1 on December 22.