Gemma Collins to quit The Only Way is Essex?

19 May 2018

Gemma Collins has hinted she's quit 'The Only Way is Essex'.

Gemma Collins

The 37-year-old reality TV star - who has appeared on the ITVBe show since 2011 - has sparked rumours she's decided to walk away from the programme after she shared behind-the-scenes video on Instagram as the cast wrapped up filming.

She said: "End of an era. Lots of people leaving 'TOWIE'. It's sort of a sad day too."

And the blonde beauty was determined the make the last day of filming memorable as she allowed herself to have an alcoholic beverage - something she usually bans.

She explained: "I don't usually drink at 'TOWIE' filming because I like to be professional but it's the last day. No, just dropped it down me. S**t."

Speculation that she's leaving comes after she signed up to compete on 'Celebrity Masterchef' alongside Spencer Matthews and a host of other famous faces including 'Holby City's Chizzy Akudolu and 'EastEnders' John Partridge.

Actress Lisa Maxwell - who starred in 'The Bill' - has also been announced for the BBC One show, as well as television presenter Michelle Ackerley, presenter Jean Johansson and entrepreneur Jay Blades. Stella Parton, who is Dolly Parton's sister, and 'Strictly Come Dancing' star AJ Pritchard will be showing off their culinary skills alongside The Saturdays' Frankie Bridge, actor Keith Allen and cricket star Monty Panesar.

Union J's Josh Cuthbert, singer Carol Decker, radio presenter Clara Amfo and singer Anita Harris will all take part whilst Zoe Lyons, rugby star Martin Bayfield and paralympian Stefanie Reid complete the line up.

John Torode and Gregg Wallace will return to whittle down the 20 celebrity contestants with a series of cooking challenges across six weeks as they bid to be crowned Celebrity MasterChef Champion 2018.

The celebrities will have the chance to cook for critics and past winners as well as cooking alongside top chef Bryn Williams and going on to serve their own three-course menu.

BBC Commissioning Editor, Carla-Maria Lawson, said: "Celebrity MasterChef is a real treat in BBC One's summer schedule. This series features a wonderfully diverse line up of celebrities donning the iconic aprons. They're out of their comfort zones but determined to make their mark in the MasterChef kitchen. Along the way, viewers can expect high drama served alongside some great food."