Gemma Collins has publicly disclosed her remarkable jungle weight loss after enduring a restricted diet of rice and beans on the ITV series I'm A Celebrity All Stars. The TOWIE icon, aged 45, made a dramatic return to the show thirteen years following her initial appearance, determined to redeem herself after quitting her previous stint after merely three days.
Surprising Weight Loss and Health Challenges
Speaking exclusively to OK! magazine, Gemma expressed astonishment at the amount of weight she shed during the South African filming in September 2025. She revealed, 'When they weighed me I'd lost 1st 4lb (8kg).' This significant reduction came despite a brief attempt to use Mounjaro injections prior to the show, which she was forced to abandon due to a severe gallbladder attack.
A Transformative Experience
The reality television personality characterised the entire experience as the 'best digital detox and spiritual healing' she has ever undergone. Consequently, she has now significantly reduced her phone usage, embracing a more mindful lifestyle post-jungle. Her return has been met with widespread acclaim from viewers, who have declared that her redemption arc is firmly underway.
Confronting Fears and Gruelling Trials
Gemma's journey involved overcoming profound fears, including a tearful helicopter ride into camp, a stark contrast to her emotional breakdown during the 2014 attempt. On Tuesday night, she tackled a notoriously difficult eating trial alongside fellow contestant Craig Charles, aiming to secure a spot in the main camp for her team.
The trial required private commitments to consume servings of dishes such as Fish Eye Pie, Terror-rine, Brain Freeze, and Bloody Moory Shots. Craig, visibly shocked by the spread, questioned, 'Have you ramped this up because it doesn't look that bad on the telly?' The competition remained intensely close, with Gemma struggling to stomach some items, culminating in a cliffhanger finale where she and Craig faced a head-to-head race to finish a full tray of Bloody Moory shots.
Fan Reactions and Redemption Era
Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with praise for Gemma's performance. Fans enthusiastically posted comments including, 'Obsessed with Gemma wanting to prove herself after last time,' and 'Gemma's redemption era looks so good on her.' Another supporter noted, '20 minutes into her stint and Gemma has already overcome her helicopter fear and bossed an eating trial. Oh this carry job she's about to do on this series.'
A Determined Mindset and Career Ambitions
Prior to her jungle return, Gemma firmly insisted she would not be repeating her early exit, stating, 'There is no way I am going to be leaving after 72 hours. I am in it to win it. I am going through to the end.' She reflected on her 2014 experience, acknowledging that quitting has 'hung over her head' ever since, but emphasised her growth into a 'strong, assertive woman' with a completely different mindset today.
Gemma articulated that winning the series would represent the 'ultimate pinnacle' of her career, saying, 'If I could get crowned the ‘Legend’, I would just feel complete in my life. Me quitting has been a shadow hanging over me. It would be my real redemption moment of my career that I had done this and nobody could take it away from me.'
Continuing the Adventure
I'm A Celebrity All Stars continues its broadcast on Wednesday at 9pm on ITV1, featuring a diverse lineup of campmates including Ashley Roberts, Sir Mo Farah, David Haye, Scarlett Moffatt, Seann Walsh, Sinitta, Jimmy Bullard, Adam Thomas, Harry Redknapp, Craig Charles, and Beverley Callard, each bringing their unique histories and challenges to the jungle environment.
