"I couldn’t take the pressure": Gemma Collins' surprise wedding reality and her big new start

Gemma Collins, the larger-than-life former TOWIE star, is rewriting her own rulebook at 45. With her wedding plans and creative ventures taking fresh turns, is The GC finally finding her true groove?

"I couldn’t take the pressure": Gemma Collins' surprise wedding reality and her big new start
© @ gemmacollins
"I couldn’t take the pressure": Gemma Collins' surprise wedding reality and her big new start
Gemma Collins: how she's transformed over the years

There’s never a dull moment in the world of Gemma Collins. The self-proclaimed diva and British TV icon is stepping into an entirely new chapter. After a decade since her headline-making departure from The Only Way Is Essex, Gemma is looking fondly at her journey, navigating family plans, the reality of fame, and her proud UK roots—all while managing the kind of attention that would leave most of us reaching for a cuppa. Her latest reveal? What she really wants from her next wedding—and why no one should expect the usual showbiz spectacle.

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A wedding different from all expectations

Gemma Collins isn’t ready to play by the celebrity wedding playbook. Despite the glitz and the tabloid buzz, she’s spoken candidly about why a lavish public ceremony simply isn’t for her.

“I don’t want a big showbiz wedding. I couldn’t take the pressure on the day.”

Swapping big crowds and red carpets for personal comfort, Gemma is prioritising intimacy. Her fiancé, Rami Hawash, and his son Tristan are at the heart of this next step. Being a stepmum to a seven-year-old is already a big part of her everyday life, and, for Gemma, family comes first—a side fans rarely see. Even as plans to expand their family emerge, Gemma’s vision for her wedding is crystal clear: it will be a celebration on her own terms.

All eyes on Britain, creative ambition, and a touch of tea

Despite swirling headlines suggesting a jet-set move to Dubai, Gemma’s affection for the UK couldn’t be more apparent.

“I love Britain. I love afternoon tea. I love driving into London and seeing Big Ben. No one’s a bigger rep for the UK than me.”

This passion goes beyond nostalgia—it’s wrapped into her every day, especially when the British winter gets tough. Gemma has spoken openly about struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, the kind of honest admission that’s endeared her to countless fans. Rather than escaping the grey, she leans into home comforts, resisting the urge to follow fleeting wellness trends.

“If I’d followed everyone else and drunk matcha tea honey, I’d be finished. The reason I’m a success is because I’ve always brought in my own creative flair and design.”

Beyond home life, her work as the new UK Creative Director for Canva catapults her into fresh creative territory. She’s fronting a playful mockumentary, rolling out the “GC Tone of Voice” with trademark confidence—and that inimitable sense of fun.

"I'm still very young at heart": Gemma Collins on feeling 15 at 45

If age is just a number, Gemma Collins is proof.

“I’m 45 now, but I still feel 15 inside. I’m still very young at heart.”

Milestones don’t slow her down; they give her permission to keep pushing boundaries, creatively and personally. She radiates a youthful spark whatever life throws her way. Rather than getting caught up in trends or outside opinions, Gemma’s choices—from marriage to her tea preference—are guided by her love of all things British and her drive to stay true to herself. Whether it’s leading a brand campaign or planning cosy winter evenings, Gemma’s authenticity keeps her story compelling—and her fans reading.

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Sources used:

Gemma Collins' shock wedding U-turn as she admits 'I couldn't take the pressure' - OK! Magazine

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