Gemma Collins has disclosed that her 70-year-old mother Joan has been rushed to hospital after contracting pneumonia for the second time in six months.
The 45-year-old reality television personality shared the worrying update with her followers on Instagram Stories on Monday, revealing that she had been unable to sleep due to concerns about her mother's health.
Despite her anxiety, the former The Only Way Is Essex star confirmed that Joan is recovering well.
"Sending my mummy so much love she has caught Pneumonia but she is doing well thank you to all the wonderful nurses and doctors for looking after her," Gemma wrote alongside a photograph of Joan in her hospital bed.
Gemma Collins with her mother, Joan
|"Joan's previous hospitalisation with pneumonia came in December 2025, when she spent five weeks receiving treatment at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford before making a full recovery.
The latest diagnosis marks the third time she has battled the condition, having first been admitted to hospital with pneumonia in March 2020.
In a follow-up Instagram story, the reality star reflected on her visit to see her mother.
"Was lovely to have a laugh with her today, no day is ever promised couldn't sleep last night at all with worry," she wrote.
The Towie star posted the emotional update to her Instagram stories
|She also added the affectionate message: "Still looking, glam mummy."
The former I'm A Celebrity contestant later shared footage from a previous shopping trip with Joan, expressing her hope they would soon be reunited for more retail outings.
"Please God we will be back together soon shopping," Gemma wrote alongside the clip.
The television personality urged her supporters to keep Joan in their thoughts and thanked the staff at Broomfield Hospital for the care they have provided during the latest health setback.
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Gemma Collins and her mum Joan in a snap on Instagram | INSTAGRAM/GEMMA COLLINSJoan has faced a number of health challenges in recent years beyond her battles with pneumonia.
In 2024, she was rushed to intensive care after she stopped breathing, leaving Gemma fearing the worst.
Speaking to The Sun at the time, Gemma said: "I've had a lot of stress the last couple of weeks.
"My mum was suddenly taken into hospital, and I was told she could die. They would not resuscitate her if she went into cardiac arrest."
Ms Collins received backlash online for her appearance in the campaign video
|DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
She continued: "So imagine that, you know, I'm in the hospital having been out for dinner the day before, and then the next day I'm like, 'Wow, ' so that was a massive shock."
The health update comes just weeks after Gemma found herself at the centre of a heated political row over a Department for Education social media campaign.
The reality star appeared alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson in a video promoting post-16 education opportunities, prompting criticism from some commentators.
GB News presenter Bev Turner was among those who questioned the collaboration, arguing that education policy should be fronted by experts rather than celebrities.
Ms Collins rose to national prominence on the ITV reality series The Only Way Is Essex between 2011 and 2019
| GETTYGemma later addressed the backlash on Instagram, writing: "I see all your comments. I'm going to change everything and help everyone. Please do not worry."
The campaign divided opinion online, with some social media users mocking the partnership while others praised the television personality for using her platform to engage with educational issues.