Gemma Collins' mum died the day before her planned wedding
Gemma Collins' mum, Joan, passed away in July at the age of 70, a month after she was rushed to hospital with pneumonia for the second time in six months.
Gemma Collins' mum died the day before her planned wedding to Rami Hawash.
The 45-year-old reality TV icon's heart "shattered into a million pieces” after Joan passed away on July 29 at the age of 70, a month after she was rushed to hospital with pneumonia for the second time in six months.
On Sunday night's (11.10.26's) episode of ITV's Big Brother, Gemma revealed her mum's health declined 24 hours before planning to marry the businessman, whom she has dated on-and-off since 2011 and got engaged to for a third time during a getaway to the Maldives in February 2024.
Speaking to some of the housemates in the garden, celebrity house guest Gemma said: "She was an amazing woman and I had an amazing 45 years with her. I was with her every day."
After sharing she had to "try and find the strength to carry on" following Joan's death, The Only Way Is Essex alum revealed: "I was meant to get married on the Thursday and my mum passed away on the Wednesday. What can you do?"
Gemma quipped: "To be honest, it was all a rush anyway; I ordered a dress off Shein; it would not have gone down well."
On July 29, she took to Instagram to announce Joan's passing.
Gemma shared a sweet black-and-white shot of her mum as a youngster, with the caption: "Today our beautiful mum passed away peacefully surrounded by LOVE.
"Mum, today, every piece of my heart left with you.
"No words will ever be enough to thank you for loving me, guiding me, and being my mum. You gave me life, you gave me strength, and you gave me memories that I will carry for every day I have left.
"The house will never sound the same without you. Your voice, your smile, your little ways, they are woven into every corner of my life. I will miss you more than I could ever put into words."
The Celebrity Big Brother 2016 housemate continued: "I hope you are finally free from pain. I hope you can walk again, laugh again, and feel light. I hope you are surrounded by peace and by everyone who has gone before you, watching over us with love.
"Thank you for every hug, every sacrifice, every lesson, and every moment. Thank you for being my mum. It has been the greatest privilege to be your daughter.
"Until we meet again, I will carry your love with me. I will look for you in the sunrise, in the flowers, in the birds singing, and in the quiet moments when I need you most."
Gemma concluded: "Sleep peacefully, my beautiful Mum what gives me comfort was today we was all with you. You will be loved forever, missed every single day, and never, ever forgotten."
