Despite the bitter fall-out that ended their friendship two years ago, Saffron Lampriere has paid tribute to Gemma Collins’ mother Joan after her death.
Joan Collins had been suffering from a number of health issues over the years. Last week, Gemma, 45, announced on Instagram that her mum had died.
Saffron, who joined The Only Way Is Essex as Gemma’s close friend, shared a series of pictures of her, Gemma and Joan on social media, alongside a heartfelt message. She captioned the post: “Rest in Paradise Joan.”
She added: “Lots of lovely happy memories all together, or telling us to pack it in like naughty kids but we still all laughed, you will always be one of a kind with a beautiful soul. Forever loved by all your family & friends fly high (heart emoji).”
Friendship fall-out
Gemma and Saffron’s friendship ended two years ago following a row at a pub. At the time, those close to the pair described their friendship as “irreparable.”
In a social media Q&A, Saffron spoke nostalgically about her time with Gemma. She said: “I was never friends with the GC, I was best friends with Gemma. We was like sisters and we made memories that last a life time.” She added: “Life happens, things change and people drift but that’s it.”
Gemma opens up on grief
Gemma Collins recently took to social media to candidly open up about her grief journey following the death of her mum. She told fans her grief was “coming in waves” and thanked them for their support.
In a heartbreaking Instagram post, she uploaded a picture of a memorial she had created for her mum, showing the two of them together, surrounded by candles and flowers. Her caption read: “Grief is the price we pay for love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every message, every prayer, every kind word. I’m reading them all and getting back to everyone slowly. Please bear with me. Some moments I feel okay, and then it comes in waves.”
She continued: “One beautiful thing keeps happening. A butterfly has been with me constantly, appearing wherever I go. It brings me a sense of peace, and in my heart I truly feel it’s my mum letting me know she’s close, watching over me, and reminding me that love never really leaves us.”
She concluded: “Thank you all for holding me up with your kindness. It means more than you’ll ever know. She loved @paulmccartney and the @thebeatles I’m finding lots of healing listening to the music.”
