Published on 12/10/2026 at 14:30 by Editorial Team

Gemma Collins reveals mum died hours before wedding day in emotional Big Brother chat

Reality TV star Gemma Collins has laid bare her heartbreak inside the Big Brother house. In a raw conversation with housemates, she detailed unimaginable loss, leaving viewers wanting to know more about the woman behind the headlines.

Unfiltered and visibly emotional, Gemma Collins didn't hold back as she shared a deeply personal story under the Big Brother spotlight. Just hours ahead of her wedding, Gemma's mother, Joan, passed away after battling pneumonia, forever shaping the days that followed for the TOWIE icon. This revelation, delivered with Gemma’s trademark candour, has thrown her time in the House of Power into sharp relief. Is Gemma ready for the Big Brother challenge while still processing such a profound loss?

Gemma Collins: More than a reality star

Gemma Collins has become known for her bold personality, wit and emotional honesty on television. But behind her public confidence, family is her anchor. Since meeting Rami Hawash in 2011 and rekindling their romance in 2020, her private journey has often contrasted the drama onscreen. Gemma explained that her mother Joan died at the age of 70 in July 2026. In her words, “She was an amazing woman, and I had an amazing 45 years with her. I was with her every day.”

The wedding that never happened: a tragedy revealed

Gemma had planned to marry Rami the day after her mother died. In her own words, “I was meant to get married on the Thursday and my mum passed away on the Wednesday... What can you do?” With typical self-deprecating humour, she joked about the chaotic lead-up: “To be honest it was all a rush anyway, I ordered a dress off Shein it would not have gone down well.” Yet beneath the candour, her pain was unmistakable: “You just have to sort of try and find the strength to carry on.”

Support and heartbreak: Fans react as Gemma grieves

The confession moved audiences, with social media quickly filling with support. Viewers appealed to Big Brother producers to prioritize Gemma’s wellbeing during her 48-hour stint. Her July Instagram tribute touched countless fans: “My heart is shattered into a million pieces 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 conversation continues: What’s next for Gemma?

Big Brother’s return on ITV2 and ITVX has shown a different side to one of Britain’s best-known reality personalities. With her lived experience of grief at the fore, the nation will be watching to see if Gemma finds strength in the limelight – or if the House of Power proves a tougher challenge than anyone expected.

Sources used:

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