Gemma Collins says three of her family members suffered heart attacks last week.
Gemma Collins
The 'Diva Forever' star suggested her openness about "everyday struggles" is what makes her so appealing and relatable, and she revealed it can sometimes be difficult putting on a brave face at work as she discussed her relationship with James 'Arg' Argent.
Speaking on ITV's 'This Morning', she said: "With Arg, obviously when we're on reality TV shows it's not always plain sailing. People have their moments, Arg has his moments, I've had many a moment. But literally, we make great TV.
"What I'm very passionate about is not living - I think why I am such a success with regards to my shows and stuff, I don't give you an impression that my world's all rose tinted glasses, candy floss, sequins and glitter, because let me tell you, it's not.
"I have every day struggles like everyone else, we have relationship problems, there's stuff that happens.
"Last week, three people in our family had heart attacks, but we still have to turn up for work, and we still have to put a smile on when we come through the door. We're not always in the best of moods."
Gemma also discussed her 'GC' alter-ego and compared her to Paul O'Grady's drag persona Lily Savage.
She explained: "GC is a brand now, and it's how I make my money, to be honest ... 100 per cent [there's a distinction], definitely.
"Gemma's here today, but GC, I've become one of the biggest reality stars in Britain.
"I am a global icon, it's weird. But that's the GC - and that's what I do, I make great TV, I provide you with entertainment. I kinda explain it to people, it's like Paul O'Grady and Lily Savage. It's how I make my money."
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