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Gemma Collins ‘pulls out of TOWIE’

Gemma Collins has pulled out of ‘The Only Way is Essex’.
The 38-year-old reality star shot to fame on the ITVBe series in 2011, and despite filming a teaser trailer for the new series, the former ‘Dancing on Ice’ star is reportedly too busy with other work to "give ‘TOWIE’ her full attention".
A source said: "Gemma is so busy with work at the moment, she just hasn’t had time to give ‘TOWIE’ her full attention, so she’s made the difficult decision to pull out.
"She’s just filmed her own show, which saw her go to America, and is working on various other lucrative projects including her music career with Naughty Boy."
Gemma is said to have tried hard to "fit ‘TOWIE’ in", but realised she wouldn’t be able to appear in a full series of the programme.
The source added to The Sun Online: "She was really trying to fit the show in, and even filmed the promo, but realised it just wouldn’t be possible to do a full series.
"Of course everyone is really disappointed – fans will be devastated she’s not returned to ‘TOWIE’ as she’s the big star and everyone tunes in to see her."
‘TOWIE’ is to return this September, and the latest trailer sees Chloe Sims hinting she may confront her former flame Dan Edgar.
Gemma wasn’t able to shoot the last series of the reality show because she was busy filming ‘Dancing on Ice’, on which she clashed with judge Jason Gardiner.
And yesterday (07.08.19), she admitted reports he may not be back for the new series were "great news".
When asked what she thought about claims Jason may not be on the panel, she said: "Hallelujah. Let’s be fair he only works twice a year in TV.
"I think he does ‘Dancing on Ice’ and panto. Would we miss him this year? Hell no. People are probably watching this thinking, ‘She’s a bit strong.’
"But you can criticise someone, but you don’t have to get personal. Criticise me all day long but don’t get personal, especially with mental health now and bullying and stuff like that.
"So yeah, hallelujah. This is great news. My show launches tonight, Jason Gardiner is not coming back, it couldn’t be better."