Gemma Collins Reveals Mother Died Day Before Wedding

Gemma Collins has disclosed that her mother, Joan, passed away on July 29, the day before her planned wedding to fiancé Rami Hawash. The reality television personality, 45, shared the heartbreaking news with fellow housemates on Sunday night's episode of Celebrity Big Brother.

Collins recounted that her mother's health took a turn for the worse just 24 hours before the wedding was scheduled to take place. "She was an amazing woman and I had an amazing 45 years with her. I was with her every day," Collins told her housemates. "I was meant to get married on the Thursday and my mum passed away on the Wednesday. What can you do?"

Attempting to find a silver lining, she added, "To be honest, it was all a rush anyway. I ordered a dress off Shein. It would not have gone down well."

Joan, who was 70 years old at the time of her death, had been hospitalized a month prior due to pneumonia, which she had battled for the second time in six months. Collins and Hawash have been in an on-again, off-again relationship since 2011 and became engaged for the third time in February 2024 during a trip to the Maldives.

Collins made her appearance as a celebrity guest on the Friday night show. She first gained significant public attention during her 2016 stint on Celebrity Big Brother, where she became known for memorable quotes and her larger-than-life personality.

Reports indicate that Collins requested a private room and en-suite bathroom for her participation in the program. A source told The Sun that such accommodations were fitting for a celebrity of her stature. Her return to the Big Brother house follows that of Jedward, who also made a guest appearance.