Gemma Clare Collins (born 31 January 1981) is an English media personality and businesswoman. In 2011, she began appearing on the ITVBe reality series The Only Way Is Essex. Following a brief appearance on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (2014), Collins has appeared in various television programmes including Celebrity Big Brother (2016), Celebs Go Dating (2018), and Dancing on Ice (2019). In 2019, she began starring in her own reality series and hosting a podcast on BBC Sounds.
Gemma Collins quits Chicago role due to injury just seven days before opening night
Gemma Collins has been forced to pull out of her role in the upcoming UK tour of Chicago due to a knee injury. Back in March, it was announced that the former The Only Way Is Essex star would take on the role of Matron "Mama" Morton on the UK tour of the iconic and much-loved musical.
However, just one week out from her big debut at the Sunderland Empire Theatre, a spokesperson for the production has confirmed that the 41 year old had quit.
A statement made to OK! said: "Gemma Collins' management have informed the producers of Chicago she will no longer be appearing in the UK Tour of the show due to a knee injury." It was added: "The producers of Chicago wish Gemma all the best for the future." While Gemma has yet to publicly comment on her leaving the production, she did share a short clip of her receiving treatment for her swollen knee.Taking to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday morning, the reality star shared a clip of her receiving treatment on her knee at the Ice Health Cryotherapy Spa. "Early morning session for my knee, I can't describe the pain," she wrote. "Thank you Alla for relieving my pain." In another up-close snap of her knee, Gemma wrote: "The swelling is next level." Gemma also shared a snap of her leg hooked up to a machine as she continued: "My leg has ballooned with my knee, hopefully this will take the swelling down." The bubbly blonde was initially thrilled as she announced earlier this year that she would replace '80s singer Sinitta as the larger-than-life prison mistress Mama Morton in Chicago The Musical.
