Gemma Collins takes aim at 'fake' TV stars and claims she only has four celebrity pals

Gemma Collins has taken aim at 'fake' TV stars in an interview with the Thomas Brothers, six months after she and Adam Thomas took part in I'm A Celebrity. 

The former TOWIE star, 45, claimed she only has four celebrity friends after all her years in showbusiness and chooses being at home over celebrity parties.

Speaking on the At Home With The Thomas Bros podcast, Scott Thomas, 38, said to Gemma: 'You're so real and in this industry, have you come across a lot of fake people?'

She replied: 'Yeah. I don't mix with anyone. I ain't got time for ass licks and I will never ass lick.  At the end of the day, you're a fool if you think you've got friends in this business. It's showbusiness, not show... friends.

'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 lives with her fiancé Rami Hawash, 49].  

'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 said to her: '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 said: 'I don't want to be around the ass licks. 

'I've got enough about me. I'm all right on my own. Do you know what I mean? So, but I find it very sickening. Yeah.'

Gemma spoke about the big rows that happened on I'm A Celebrity between Adam, ex footballer Jimmy Bullard, 47, and boxer David Haye, 45, on the show back in April. 

Adam and Jimmy clashed after Jimmy quit a high-stakes group Bushtucker Trial in the jungle, without warning, potentially jeopardising Adam's time on the show.  

The Waterloo Road actor launched into an angry, swear-filled rant behind the scenes that nearly got both men kicked off the show. 

David was accused of 'bullying' Adam after a series of swipes towards him were aired, which saw him brand the actor 'useless' for excusing himself from a trial due to his health. Adam ended up in therapy after the row.   

Scott asked Gemma: 'Did you feel for Adam when you were in there? Did you feel anything bad was happening or anything?' 

Gemma responded: 'They took the p**s. Really? Yeah. 

'I actually got on really well with Jimmy. I just don't know what happened, but it happened. It's in the past now. We send them love and we wish him well.' 

Talking about how she listens to her intuition a lot, Gemma said: 'My gut feeling will always lead the way. And I think, you know, when you're younger, you get these strong feelings.

'My mum was very psychic. She did the tarot and everything. 

'And I can remember being at home with my mum and we was in her bedroom one day and the shoe boxes were flying across, all mad stuff and my mum was very into it all. 

'And I just think obviously she gave birth to me. It's in me. Yeah.'

Gemma sadly lost her mother Joan on July 29, 2026, at the age of 70, following a short battle with pneumonia. Joan had been hospitalised for her second bout with the illness in a six-month period.

Gemma paid tribute to her mum during the chat and  said: 'My mum was a fantastic woman. I am me because of my mum.

'No time is promised. I have spent the best part of my life with my mum. And she died,  on the most powerful moon of the year, the buck moon, which was on the 29th of July. And that gives me so much comfort. 

'She has come back to me in so many ways. And when you see a loved one in pain, they say when you go to heaven, obviously all that pain disperses. 

'And if anything, she's only left me in her physical form. I feel her so much. And you know, it's still very early days. I'm only 3 months in.

'My mum was quite ill for a long time, but I know she's painfree now and she connects with me and I connect with her so much that I'll see her in another 25 or 30 years.'

She added: 'She was an amazing woman and when you see someone that you love so ill, it really affects you as well. 

'I couldn't bear to see it in the end and it would really affect me and I was, you know, I'd be angry and I couldn't change it. Do you know what I mean? 

'But she died so beautifully, my mum, and she looked beautiful and she was just painfree and it was her time to go.'