Gemma Collins looks completely unrecognisable as she unearthed old family photos of her younger self.
The GC, 43, shot to fame when she starred in The Only Way Is Essex back in its second series in 2011. Aged just 30, Gemma’s boisterous personality won over the hearts of millions and cemented her as a staple of British showbiz royalty.
Now, the reality TV icon is looking back at her past as part of the new BBC genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are. The show traces celebrity’s family trees back as far as possible to unearth where they came from, as well as having any surprise relations.
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As part of the show, Gemma unearthed a number of photos of herself when she was younger, leaving fans of the Big Brother legend in shock. In one snap, Gemma radiated with smiles as she got glammed up for a masquerade party.
(Image: BBC/Joan Collins/unknown)
Sporting brunette hair, a young Gemma looked glowing as she sported a glitzy gold maxi dress, which she paired with a pair of black velvet gloves, a silver necklace and diamond tiara. The picture was a far cry from Gemma’s current look as she now dons the fake tan and the bleach blonde hair.
In another snap, the TOWIE icon appeared far more innocent as she posed for a snap in front of a hedge in the family garden. Dressed as a fairy, Gemma gave a gleeful smile to the camera, as she donned a fully white outfit, including tights, a white lacy string-top and a white tutu.
To add to the fairy look, Gemma – who had gone to a lighter blonde shade in her hair, also sported a pair of fake wings and another tiara, as she clutched to a wand with her hands. Her face also looked completely different as she ditched the overlaid make-up in favour of a completely natural look.
(Image: BBC/Joan Collins/unknown)
It comes after Gemma discovered in the midst of filming the show that she may have a link to famed murderer Jack the Ripper. The star revealed that whilst checking over records she had found, she had a number of ancestors who lived on Dorset Street in East London – where many of the murders took place.
Jack the Ripper was a serial killer who haunted the streets of London in 1888, terrorising the local community. His identity was never fully discovered, leading many to claim they could have been descended from the murderer.
Gemma, speaking to the Daily Star, explained: “My great-great-grandfather worked in a workhouse and died there. I think that’s the reason why they can’t find Jack the Ripper, because it was him; the writing is on the wall.”
(Image: Instagram/Gemma Collins/gemmacollins)
Despite the rather tenuous connection to the killer, who mostly targeted women working as sex workers, Gemma was trilled to have a murderous streak in her family tree. “I always knew there was more to me and my family, I just think it’s a hilarious story,” she admitted.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
