Gemma Collins reveals mother died day before planned wedding

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 13:07 · Archive

Gemma Collins' mother Joan died aged 70 on 29 July, the day before the reality star was due to marry Rami Hawash.

Gemma Collins, 45, revealed during an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother that her mother Joan died on 29 July at the age of 70, just one day before she was due to marry fiancé Rami Hawash. Speaking to housemates in the garden, Collins said her mother's health had declined in the 24 hours before the planned wedding. She told the group: 'She was an amazing woman and I had an amazing 45 years with her. I was with her every day.'

Collins reflected on the difficulty of confronting the loss of a loved one, telling the housemates that although death is inevitable, people rarely talk openly about it. 'You just have to try and find the strength to carry on,' she said.

Despite the circumstances, Collins managed to inject humour into the conversation. When discussing the wedding plans, she joked: 'To be honest it was all a rush anyway. I ordered a dress off Shein. It would not have gone down well.' Collins has been engaged to Hawash on and off since 2011 and got engaged for a third time in February 2024 during a trip to the Maldives.

How it is being reported

• Gemma Collins reveals mum died just one day before planned wedding‘She was an amazing woman.'Metro · 12 Oct, 12:52
• Gemma Collins fights back tears as she reveals her mother died the day before she was due to marry Rami Hawash in emotional chat with her Big Brother housematesThe reality star, 45, spoke about losing her beloved mum, Joan, who passed away on July 29 at the age of 70, on Celebrity Big Brother on Sunday night.Daily Mail · 12 Oct, 12:09

In this story: Gemma Collins · Joan Collins · Rami Hawash · Celebrity Big Brother

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