11 December 2023 , 19:45
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Alongside several other brave celebrities, Gemma Collins will tonight be stripping off in a bid to raise awareness of potentially life-saving cancer checks, but there's still plenty fans may not know about her private life.
The former TOWIE star will be getting completely naked for ITV show The Real Full Monty: Jingle Balls, getting her kit off alongside Dancing On Ice star Vanessa Bauer, who sadly lost her father to cancer two years ago. As the 42-year-old gets ready to bare-all for a good cause, we take a look at her life behind the scenes, including her complicated relationship with fiancé Rami Hawash, to her weight loss journey and self-acceptance.
Rollercoaster engagement
Gemma has kept fans guessing when it comes to her relationship (instagram/ @gemmacollins)
The reality star is set to appear on The Real Full Monty: Jingle Balls (@gemmacollins/instagram)The East-London-born reality star has left fans guessing when it comes to her relationship with businessman Rami, who she initially started dating way back in 2011. They became engaged for the first time in 2013 after dad-of-one Rami hid a sparkling engagement ring in a Christmas pudding. Their engagement ended just one year later, but this was far from the end of their romance, which sparked up again briefly during Gemma's 2017 split from her on again off again TOWIE love Jame 'Arg' Argent
After finally calling it a day with Arg, Gemma finally reconnected with Rami in lockdown, and it wasn't long until the pair announced they would be heading to the altar. Things haven't exactly been smooth sailing however, and the couple once again set tongues wagging earlier this year after unfollowing each other on social media, sparking rumours of a split. Gemma has since confirmed they are still 'completely in love' however, and has even opened up about their plans to 'have a baby when the time is right'.
Speaking with Closer back in May at the Chelsea Flower Show, Gemma declared: "I'm happier than ever with Rami, we're still getting married and he's still my baby daddy! I'm going to have a big bash like no one's ever seen before, but I just don't know why we have to rush it! I can get married at 50 if I want. We're still completely in love and that's all that matters!"
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The TV personality, who previously told the publication that she and Rami intend to one day have twins named Peaches and Cream, clarified: "That's definitely still happening. I don't need to freeze my eggs, I'll just have a baby when the time is right. I can't wait!" Back in October, Gemma shared an Instagram pic of her and Rami taking stepson Tristan out pumpkin picking session at Hatters Farm in Essex, in what was her first post about her other half in months.
Shedding some light on the relationship, a source told OK!: "[Gemma] was finding it difficult not posting about how happy she is with Rami. Gemma is someone who loves love, and feels it's only human nature to want to show off her partner to the world. Her decision to live a more private life didn't last long and she's made a U-turn on it. Gemma just can't help herself when it comes to declaring her love for Rami, and she wants to shout it from the rooftops."
Gemma has 'made peace' with herself (gemmacollins/Instagram)According to this same source, Gemma is now "torn between respecting his private life and wanting to talk about her relationship." In a recent Instagram post, dated December 10, Gemma made her feelings crystal clear, in a romantic third-anniversary post celebrating Rami. She wrote: "HAPPY three year ANNIVERSARY. You told me years ago I was your girl and I've never managed to get away from you hehe. I never forget when our eyes met at the King William in Chigwell. There's been highs and lows fire and ice but always LOVE @rami_hawash_ love you. You're always pushing me when I doubt myself and love me just a home in the garden thank you for all the madness and the love and endless talking about plants hehe."
Weight loss journey
Gemma has long spoken candidly about her weight loss journey and struggles with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can make it much more difficult to shed the pounds. While competing on Dancing On Ice back in 2019, Gemma decided to start making some positive lifestyle changes, and has steadily lost weight over the last couple of years, losing an impressive 3.5 stone.
But ahead of her ITV Real Full Monty stint, Gemma posed for photos on social media which showed off her slimmer figure, after losing half a stone for the show. She revealed in October that she dramatically lost the weight in just one week with Slimming World. "I can't believe I have lost half a stone and haven't gone without," she shared.
Having ruled out surgical intervention, Gemma prefers to go about things the natural way, and is understood to enjoy outdoorsy pursuits such as walking and cycling. Addressing comments about weight loss surgery via Instagram, Gemma said: "A lot of people say 'Gemma you've struggled with your weight for so long, just go and have the operation'. But there is still that part in me that just wants to do it naturally and doesn't want to give up.
"I am not knocking anyone that's had the op because everyone's stories are different but for me, I am a bit scared of operations, so this is going to take me a while. I really feel positive this time, health is wealth. You can have all the money in the world, but if you don't feel healthy you ain't got nothing. So if you're feeling unmotivated today - get up, get moving, and just feel yourself and you're going to be just fine."
Most importantly of all, Gemma has 'made peace' with herself, and has come to a place of self-acceptance, whereby she tries not to focus on her weight too much. Back in January of this year, Gemma told The Sun: "I have made peace with my weight. This is me. I am never going to be a Victoria's Secret Model. I struggle and I am real about it. It gets harder the older you get. I'm in my forties now. But at the end of the day, I think I am attractive. I think I am gorgeous. There is a lot of junk in my trunk but I am always keeping an eye on my health."
Whatever people living with cancer need to ask about cancer, work, money or life. The big things and the small stuff. Macmillan is at the end of the phone and online to provide support. Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk and ask anything.
The Real Full Monty: Jingle Balls will air on ITV and via ITVX with Ep1 Monday on 11 December 2023 and Ep2 on Tuesday 12 December
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