Gemma Collins has thanked her friends and fans for “holding me up with kindness” following her mother’s death. On Thursday, The Only Way Is Essex star, 45, announced the death of her mother Joan – who had been suffering from pneumonia. Commenting on the post, Collins’ Towie co-star Jess Wright wrote: “Love you.” When announcing her mother’s death, Collins said her heart was “shattered into a million pieces”. When announcing her mother’s death, Collins said her heart was “shattered into a million pieces” (Ian West/PA)“Thank you for every hug, every sacrifice, every lesson, and every moment.