Gemma Collins says her heart is 'shattered into a million pieces' as beloved mum Joan dies aged 70

Gemma Collins has said her heart is “shattered into a million pieces” after announcing the death of her beloved mother, Joan, aged 70.The former The Only Way Is Essex star has shared the news in an emotional Instagram post, revealing that her mum had died peacefully surrounded by family after a series of health battles."My heart is shattered into a million pieces," Collins wrote. “Today our beautiful mum passed away peacefully surrounded by LOVE. Mum, today, every piece of my heart left with you.“No words will ever be enough to thank you for loving me, guiding me, and being my mum. You gave me life, you gave me strength, and you gave me memories that I will carry for every day I have left.Gemma Collins paid tribute to her mother (Ian West/PA)PA Wire“The house will never sound the same without you. Your voice, your smile, your little ways, they are woven into every corner of my life.”The 45-year-old went on to thank her mother for "every hug, every sacrifice, every lesson and every moment", adding that she hoped Joan was finally "free from pain" after recent health struggles that had left her with limited mobility.“I hope you can walk again, laugh again, and feel light,” she continued. “Thank you for being my mum. It has been the greatest privilege to be your daughter.“Until we meet again, I will carry your love with me. I will look for you in the sunrise, in the flowers, in the birds singing, and in the quiet moments when I need you most. Sleep peacefully, my beautiful Mum. You will be loved forever, missed every single day, and never, ever forgotten.”The post was met with an outpouring of support from friends and fans, including Elton John, who wrote: “So sad to hear. Our thoughts are with you and your family,” while Stormzy shared a series of heart emojis. Dani Dyer commented: “Oh Gemma I'm so so sorry, thinking of you,” while Collins’ former TOWIE co-star Lauren Goodger added: “So sorry Gem. Thinking of you and sending you so much love my darling.”Collins had spoken openly about her mother's health over the past year. In November, she asked followers to pray for Joan after she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia, describing it as “the toughest week” of her life.Earlier this year, she revealed Joan had been diagnosed with pneumonia twice in six months. In 2025, Joan was also rushed to hospital after she “stopped breathing” following a breast cancer scare, prompting Collins to undergo screening herself.