'I feel like a trapped prisoner': Gemma Collins reveals anxiety over weight while filming TOWIE abroad
She has long been an advocate for body confidence as a proud plus size woman.
But Gemma Collins has revealed her size 20 physique causes her anxiety and that she hates the pressure of filming The Only Way Is Essex scenes abroad while clad in a swimsuit.
In a candid interview with Closer Magazine, the 36-year-old television personality said she feels 'trapped' when the cast frolic in exotic locations and sunbathes in private for fear of being stared at.
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Candid: Gemma Collins has revealed her size 20 physique causes her anxiety and that she hates the pressure of filming The Only Way Is Essex scenes abroad while clad in a swimsuit
Blonde beauty: In a candid interview with Closer Magazine, the 36-year-old television said she feels 'trapped' when the cast frolic in exotic locations and sunbathes in private for fear of being stared at (pictured in Ibiza in 2014)
She said: 'I do get anxiety over my weight.When we film abroad it's a nightmare for me. You never see me sitting around the pool and I do miss out on a lot of fun.
'I feel like a trapped prisoner and I don't feel free to enjoy myself.'
The single star said she is desperate to settle down and have children, but thinks her weight is affecting her dating life.
'If I lost weight, I'd be more at ease with myself. I do think, 'Have I not got a boyfriend because I'm overweight? I think if I was slimmer, I'd go on more dates and be more secure in myself.'
'Anxiety': She said: 'I do get anxiety over my weight.When we film abroad it's a nightmare for me. You never see me sitting around the pool and I do miss out on a lot of fun' (pictured in Ibiza in 2014)
Essex glamourpuss: The single star said she is desperate to settle down and have children, but thinks her weight is affecting her dating life
The star who said she feels like a 'huge part' of her life is missing, voiced her hopes for the future, saying in the next five years she wants to be in Barbados, a size 14, with a handsome husband and three children.'
Back in April Gemma, who has battled fluctuating weight for years, revealed her weight loss after a fertility expert warned her that her high BMI levels would hamper her chances of conceiving
Speaking on Loose Women, the reality star vowed 'nothing will stop me' in her quest to become a mother, admitting that her best friend has now offered to be an egg donor after discovering her plight.
Gemma said: 'When I broke down to my best friend she said, "I love you dearly, I'll give you one of my eggs." That made me feel more settled.'
Positivity: The star who said she feels like a 'huge part' of her life is missing, voiced her hopes for the future, saying in the next five years she wants to be in Barbados, a size 14, with a handsome husband and three children'
Gemma publicly announced earlier this year that she would be freezing her eggs in a bid to have children, but received the news on an emotional episode of TOWIE that it wouldn't be a viable option.
As she met with Dr Gangooly at a fertility clinic, the star was left in tears after he announced that her low egg count meant her fertility options would be limited.
Addressing the bubbly blonde, Dr Gangooly admitted: 'It's not a very good result.'
Breaking down in tears, Gemma asked: 'If I was to find the love of my life and have lots of sex with him, I still wouldn't have a baby?'
But he was quick to assure her that this was not necessarily the case. He was firm in his initial advice, however, as he explained: 'I would strongly recommend against egg freezing - I don't think we'll get a lot out of it.'
Dr Gangooly then explained that Gemma had two options ahead of her: IVF with donor sperm, or the use of a donor egg and sperm, which brightened her spirits.
He was stern, however, when he insisted that she needed to work on bringing down her BMI - the amount of tissue mass in an individual.
Gemma has fluctuated between a size 14 and size 18 over the years .
Last year she told Mail Online: 'They all want to make you thinner when you go on reality television.
'Everyone wants me to lose 10stone and get a gastric band but I never said I was a model. I'm just a real girl doing her thing and I'm proud that I am a natural girl.'
Moving forward: Last year she told Mail Online: 'They all want to make you thinner when you go on reality television. 'Everyone wants me to lose 10stone and get a gastric band but I never said I was a model. I'm just a real girl doing her thing and I'm proud that I am a natural girl'
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