Swimsuit-clad Gemma Collins compares herself to Jesus as she hits back at trolls
Gemma Collins is celebrating her birthday this week whilst on holiday in the Maldives.
The reality TV star, now 43, took to Instagram on Wednesday morning to mark the special occasion whilst on vacation. Gemma shared a photo of herself modelling a purple bikini inside her gorgeous accommodation. Alongside the photo, she spoke about "people looking down their nose" at her because of her career path. She went on to compare herself to Jesus Christ and thanked those who had been critical for having made her "more determined".
Gemma wrote in the celebratory post: "43 TODAY NAMASTE. NO REGRETS. Come to the Maldives to reconnect with nature and ground myself for the year ahead and to continue my soul purpose."
She added: "And thank you to all the rejection, the nos, the 'you're not good enoughs' or people looking down their nose at me cause I was a reality star. We all start somewhere and I'm proud to be a reality star! Jesus was born in a stable and look what he did! You're the ones who paid for my Maldives trip [because] it made me stronger, more determined and more focused. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME."
Gemma included the Austin Millz remix of Nina Simone's version of the song Feeling Good in the post. She's received almost 3,000 likes on the post since it was uploaded to the platform this morning.
Gemma Collins calls police after troll threatens to break her jawIt prompted messages from celebrity pals like Jedward. They wrote: "Gemma, our heart and family, you bring so much joy and love to us! Surrounding you with love and hugs on this wonderful day, your birthday day! Happy birthday."
Former co-star Megan McKenna - who appeared alongside Gemma on both the Only Way is Essex and Celebrity Big Brother - said: "Happy birthday Gem!" Whilst actor Claire Sweeney wrote in the comments: "Happy birthday darling!" A number of fans added well wishes and some addressed her reference to Jesus in the caption. One person responded: "Happy Birthday. 'Jesus was born in a stable and look what he did'. Love that."
One fan wrote in response to her caption: "The motivation I needed today." Sharing their thoughts, someone else wrote over the post in the comments section earlier: "I think [she] just compared herself to Christ. I am tickled pink."