Bev Turner has launched a furious attack on Gemma Collins and the Department for Education after the reality TV star appeared in a social media campaign alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
The unlikely collaboration sparked backlash online after the Department for Education shared a teaser clip showing Ms Collins striding through the Westminster offices, demanding: “Right. What are we doing to help the children?”
Ms Phillipson then appears at her office door and replies: “Come in. Let’s have a chat.”
The video, captioned “Gemma Collins is in the building, and she’s got questions. Coming soon,” was later shared by former Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.
Bev Turner called out Gemma Collins and the Department for Education
|GB NEWS
Mr Streeting's caption read: “When the GC met BP," alongside a fire emoji.
Officials said the reality star was invited because she left school with few qualifications and could discuss how children in similar situations could avoid being left behind.
The Department for Education confirmed to GB News that Ms Collins had not been paid for the appearance.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The department covers education throughout people’s lives, and it's crucial that we meet people where they are, with information they need to know – whether that’s at weekly face-to-face events with parents and teachers or on social media platforms.
Ms Collins received backlash online for her appearance in the campaign video
|DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
“We are proud of our achievements highlighted in the post on how we are transforming post-16 education, supporting the aspirations of young people who want high-quality vocational courses.
“This collaboration has enabled us to reach a wider audience and make them aware of the opportunities they can benefit from, which is a key part of our commitment to transform the life chances of all children and young people.”
Speaking during GB News’ Late Show Live from Washington DC, Bev criticised the Government’s decision to involve Ms Collins in discussions around education.
Introducing the clip, the GB News presenter said: “Now I've got to show you a clip which has been doing the rounds on social media today, and it involves Gemma Collins...“She’s from reality TV. She was on The Only Way is Essex, or whatever."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Gemma Collins is in the building and she's got questions.
— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) May 19, 2026
Coming soon📷@bphillipsonMP pic.twitter.com/iDmh021UVN
Bev continued: "It's one of those ridiculous TV shows which basically celebrate being intellectually challenged and not a person who appears to be in control of anything in their lives.
“And so this is the woman whom the Education Department...who the government...who Bridget Phillipson, have decided to get involved with messaging around our education system.”
After watching the clip, Bev continued: “'Come in. Let’s have a chat.' Why? Why do we care what Gemma Collins says to the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson?
“If you saw, let's say Britain's strictest head, walking into that room to have a conversation with Bridget Philipson, I would feel reassured as a parent, we all should, that she's listening to people who know about education and know how to get the best out of our children.
Bridget Phillipson appears in the viral campaign clip
|Department for Education / X
"To inspire them to be the very best version of themselves, healthy, clever, disciplined, driven.”
Bev added: “I want to see Bridget Phillipson talking to people like that. I don't want to see Bridget Philipson asking the opinion of Gemma Collins.
“She couldn't even stand one day in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Do you remember that? She went in for one day, and it was too tough for her.”
The presenter went on to criticise the wider messaging behind the campaign, arguing that education policy should focus on helping students achieve the highest standards possible.
Ms Collins left school with 'minimal' qualifications
|GETTY
“Gemma Collins knows nothing about what children need,” Bev said.
“Now, the Department of Education says that she left school with minimum qualifications.. That's reassuring. That's who we want to go in to talk about GCSEs.”
She continued: “The whole point of education is not that you prepare children to leave school without qualifications.
“You work out how to make sure that children leave school with the very best qualifications possible for that individual child."
Bridget Phillipson and Sir Keir Starmer on a visit to a primary school
|GETTY
Concluding her rant, Bev said: "We should all be ashamed as Brits.”
Ms Collins responded to the backlash on Instagram, saying: "I see all your comments. I’m going to change everything and help everyone. Please do not worry."
The viral clip received a mixed reaction on social media, with many users poking fun at the unexpected choice of education advocate.
“What’s next? Joey Essex visits the Ministry of Defence?” one person joked on X.
In a further clip, Ms Collins sat down to speak with Ms Phillipson
|Department for Education / X
Another asked: “What in the clown show did I just watch?”
“Listen, I like the GC, but education isn’t the first word that springs to mind when she comes up in conversation,” a third user wrote.
Others reacted with anger over the Department for Education campaign.
Another wrote: “The good and decent officials who were made to tweet this nonsense deserve better than gimmicky c**p from a terrible leadership.
Gemma Collins responded to the online backlash
|"I’m sorry to see the department brought so low.”
A third added: “What in God's name is this? Drivel. Absolute drivel.”
However, some social media users jumped to Ms Collins’ defence and praised the collaboration.
“This is exactly what they set out to do! Give them exposure,” one supporter said.
Another wrote: “Gemma. You truly are an inspiration.”