Gemma Collins has shared a deeply emotional update about her beloved mother, Joan, revealing that the 81-year-old is currently “really unwell” and receiving hospital care after developing a dangerous case of pneumonia.
The former TOWIE star, 44, posted a heartbreaking photo on Sunday showing her holding her mother tightly at her bedside — a moment she described as part of “the toughest week of my life.” In the picture, Gemma looks visibly distressed as she comforts Joan, who is seen resting in her hospital bed while surrounded by medical staff.
Alongside the image, Gemma wrote a message that immediately moved thousands of fans:
“This week has been the toughest week of my life. I didn’t know if I was coming or going — and still don’t. My mum is really unwell, and I just want to thank the NHS doctors and nurses at Broomfield Hospital Chelmsford for looking after her so well. Mum has pneumonia and is really struggling. If you believe in prayer like me, please say a prayer for mum to get well as soon as possible.”
She continued by thanking those closest to her for supporting her during the terrifying ordeal:
“Thank you to everyone who reached out to higher powers to help Mum — you know who you are. Also thank you to friends and family who have visited and brought love into the room. Mum and I have always loved Madonna’s music, and it’s helping give me strength right now.”
Pneumonia, a serious lung infection, causes inflammation and fluid build-up in the air sacs, making it difficult to breathe — a particularly high-risk condition for elderly patients.
This painful chapter comes after an equally frightening moment last year, when Joan suddenly stopped breathing and had to be rushed to hospital. Gemma previously revealed that doctors warned her to “prepare for the worst” at the time. Joan later stabilised, but the traumatic memory has clearly resurfaced as Gemma once again faces uncertainty about her mother’s health.
During that previous emergency, Gemma shared videos from intensive care, asking fans for support and explaining that doctors needed to monitor her mother round-the-clock. She also posted photos showing Joan with a breathing tube, thanking hospital staff for their dedication and urging her followers: “Love your parents as hard as you can.”
Now, as Joan battles through yet another medical crisis, fans have poured onto Gemma’s social media with messages of support, love, and prayers. Many wrote that they were “sending strength,” while others praised Gemma for staying strong publicly despite clearly being heartbroken.
Away from her mother’s health concerns, Gemma is also reportedly preparing for a major return to screens, with rumours swirling that she may be joining I’m A Celebrity… All Stars. She famously lasted only 72 hours during her first jungle appearance in 2014 before quitting — but insiders say a comeback would be “TV gold” and that producers are eager to bring her back.
For now, however, the reality star’s focus is entirely on her mother. As she told followers, “All I want is for Mum to get better.”
