Gemma Collins' mum dies as star pays heartbreaking tribute

Gemma was quickly flooded with messages of love and support08:27, 30 Jul 2026Gemma Collins has paid tribute to her mum Joan. Gemma announced she had died yesterday evening (Wednesday, July 29) on her Instagram page.‌The former The Only Way Is Essex star shared a black and white picture of Joan as a young woman. As the MEN reports, Gemma said: "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