Gemma: “Someone needs to love me – warts and all”
After a stressful week, Gemma Collins opens up about new love, baby plans and moving to LA
Despite enduring a hellish few days, culminating in having to call 999 out of concern for her on-off boyfriend James ‘Arg’ Argent’s welfare, Gemma Collins put on a brave face, channeling her inner ‘GC’ for her debut fragrance launch.
Chatting away to friends and clutching a bottle of her first-ever perfume, the reality star seemed to be in high spirits at the pink-themed event last week. But behind the scenes, the star revealed to Closer that, despite the smiles, she’s been struggling.
She says, “People are saying I’m glowing, but I haven’t stopped eating the last week because I’ve had a bit of stress to deal with. I’ve generally been good with it, but if I’m being honest, I know I’ve gained weight. I’ve also been ill, so I need to take it easy now. Not everyone is body perfect – we should be celebrating individuality more. But I never focused on body image. I don’t give a s**t.”
MOVING ON
Although reluctant to comment directly on the drama surrounding her ex – who reportedly sent her abusive messages following an earlier split in April – Gemma hints she’s now ready to move on. She adds, tellingly, “I just wanted to be successful – and someone out there has got to love me, warts and all. I do give a good cuddle. You should just be healthy. I’m happy as I am.”
There’s no denying Gemma has seen her fame soar since her TOWIE debut in 2011 – with the star going on to amass an estimated £3million fortune – thanks to her plus-size clothing range and having her fingers in many showbiz pies.
During her split from Arg earlier this year, Gemma flew to LA with former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Jonathan Cheban – best friend of Kim Kardashian – and sees America as where her future lies.
She says, “I never realised how far things would go for me, coming from TOWIE to this. It could lead to an empire like the Kardashians and J-Lo. I don’t want to stop at Essex any more. I am hungry for more.
“This year I did a lot of travelling – there’s more to life than Essex. The reality show
The Biggest Loser wanted me in LA and I met with Piers Morgan’s manager John Ferriter in the summer, but sadly he has since passed away.
“James Corden needs to get me on his show. I feel like I’m a girl version of him – we are both chubby and funny.”
But despite her close friendship with US reality star and entrepreneur Jonathan, she says she still hasn’t met the Kardashian clan, as they’re so cautious about letting anyone new into the fold.
Gemma explains, “I’d love to meet Khloé – she’s my favourite. I’ve got the work ethic of Kim and the disastrous love life of Khloé. I love them and they know who I am. Jonathan gets jealous when I’m in the spotlight, so I don’t want to steal his thunder. He does like his one-on-one with The GC, so I don’t know if he would share me. One day I hope I’ll meet them but they’re wary [of new people].”
TEARS
Gemma, 38, made no secret of her desire to start a family with Arg during their romance – and reveals that since the pair have called it quits, she’s still broody.
She says, “I’m off to Dubai with Billie Faiers, her husband Greg, and their kids Nelly and Arthur this weekend. I love them and can’t wait to see them all.
“When I see my nephew, I stare at him and he says, ‘Why are you crying?’ – but they’re tears of happiness because I love him so much. I do want kids, definitely. I didn’t freeze my eggs in the end, as I went to a top doctor in Harley Street who said I didn’t need to.”
And it’s clear Gemma isn’t going to let any heartbreak or challenges get in the way of her personal goals. She says, “I would love to do Strictly. I’ve got a lot of offers on the table at the moment so I have to be careful what I choose, but I’ll stay grounded.
POSITIVITY
“I was asked to do The X Factor: Celebrity, but had to turn it down because of my record deal with Universal. I’ve been working on new music with producer Naughty Boy – he’s recorded with Beyoncé and Zayn Malik. He comes to my house and brings me a curry. He’s so down to earth.”
She adds, “How do I stay positive? The bank balance, darling! I’m very lucky – this could all end for me tomorrow. I love being a star and I want to be as famous as I can – as famous as Lady Gaga. I am very positive.” By Rebecca Greenow
Visit Gemmacollinsbeauty.com to buy Gemma’s fragrance, Diva Pink
‘I’ve never focused on body image. I don’t give a s**t’