Gemma Collins blasts ‘fake’ friends and reveals tiny showbiz circle
The former TOWIE regular says years in television have left her with just four genuine celebrity friends – and she would rather stay home with her family than attend star-studded parties.
Gemma Collins has taken aim at the “fake” side of showbusiness, revealing after 15 years in the spotlight she can count the celebrities she considers genuine friends on one hand.
The 45-year-old reality star, who found fame on The Only Way Is Essex and became one of the show’s most recognisable personalities as her larger-than-life alter ego “The GC”, made the admission during an appearance on the latest At Home With The Thomas Bros podcast episode.
Gemma told brothers Ryan Thomas, 42, and twins Adam Thomas and Scott Thomas, both 38, she now prefers spending time at home with her family to attending celebrity parties.
Asked by Scott whether she had encountered “a lot of fake people” during her years in television, Gemma said: “Yeah. I don’t mix with anyone. I ain’t got time for a** licks, and I will never a** lick. At the end of the day, you’re a fool if you think you’ve got friends in this business. It’s show business, not show... friends.”
Gemma went on to name some of the people she considers genuine, including former Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn Ward, 53, Adam and DJ Fat Tony, 59.
She said: “Obviously I’ve got some TOWIE friends. And Dawn Ward. Love Dawn, absolutely love her. You and DJ Fat Tony.
“You are all real. Yes. I obviously get invited to lots of parties. I’m not interested. I’d rather be at home with my family.”
Gemma added: “With my real friends. I’ve made four friends since being in TV and that’s how it stays. I can’t bear seeing the ass licks. They are so, you know, you know.”
Ryan, best known for playing Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street, responded: “Yeah, we know how it show that you’re a good egg and you’re genuine. So you spot them a mile off. If they’re not like us, then they’re going to stand out, aren’t they?”
Gemma replied: “I don’t want to be around the a** licks.
“I’ve got enough about me. I’m all right on my own. Do you know what I mean? So, I find it very sickening. Yeah.”
Her comments come during another busy period in Gemma’s television career.
Her eight-part Sky documentary, Gemma Collins: Everything. All At Once, began airing last month and follows her through fertility treatment, family difficulties, grief and her relationship with fiancé Rami Hawash.
The series also charts the couple as they prepare for marriage and hope to start a family.
Rami has since publicly spoken about his problems with alcohol and revealed this month he is attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and taking part in Sober October. Gemma responded publicly to his announcement by saying she was “so proud of you”.
Gemma has also recently spoken about the death of her mother, Joan, who died aged 70 in July after suffering from pneumonia.
In September she revealed she had received disturbing letters from an alleged stalker, including one from a person claiming to have attended Joan’s funeral.
Despite saying she has only four celebrity friends, Gemma did not mention John Grimes and Edward Grimes, both 34, better known as Jedward, with whom she has maintained a close friendship since meeting them through reality television.
