The truth behind Gemma Collins' departure from Chicago following clash with I'm A Celebrity campmate Sinitta
Gemma's departure was out of her controlI’m A Celebrity South Africa campmates Gemma Collins and Sinitta had an awkward clash during last night’s show surrounding Gemma’s role in the musical Chicago.
In Thursday’s (April 9) episode, Gemma and her fellow Savannah Scrub campmates — Beverley Callard, Seann Walsh and Adam Thomas — joined the Main Camp.
As they settled in, it didn’t take long for tensions to rise…
I’m A Celebrity: Gemma Collins and Sinitta clash over the GC’s Chicago role
Back in 2022, Gemma Collins secured a role in a production of Chicago, where she was set to play Mama Morton in what would have marked her stage debut.
The casting followed Sinitta taking on the same role the year before. However, Gemma was later forced to pull out of the show.
When Sinitta asked what had happened, Gemma explained: “I had a terrible injury. It was something to do with the insurance.”
But Sinitta admitted there had been scepticism at the time, saying: “Okay. We were like, ‘Is this some sort of joke announcement?’”
Gemma quickly shut that down, replying: “Not a joke Sinitta. I auditioned for it and got it fair and square. Did all the training and everything. Had the voice coach.”
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Sinitta doubled down, telling her: “I’m sorry, I’m going to admit it, when I heard you were doing it, I thought it was a joke announcement.”
‘I’m not a joke’
Clearly unimpressed, Gemma asked: “For what reason Sinitta?”
Sinitta then referenced Gemma’s shocking 2017 moment at the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards, when she fell through a trapdoor while presenting, suggesting it had influenced her perception.
She said: “Just because, I think the last thing I’d seen… I think you’d just presented something at an awards and fallen off the stage. It was kind of like you were more of a comedian.”
Hitting back, Gemma added: “I don’t think you’d get casted as Mama Morton in Chicago if you didn’t pass the audition.”
Meanwhile, she expressed in the Telegraph: “I’m not a joke darling, I’m not a joke. I have done everything in my life on my own. I was just taken aback.”
The tense exchange has left many wondering what really went down with Gemma and her Chicago role. And luckily for you, we’re here to tell you…
‘We were completely stunned by Gemma’s audition for the role’
In March 2022, Gemma was announced to play Mama Morton in the UK and Ireland tour of the musical Chicago.
The former TOWIE star was set to kick off the role in May of that year.
As mentioned on I’m A Celebrity, Gemma auditioned for the role. And according to producer David Ian, she blew everyone away.
“We were completely stunned by Gemma’s audition for the role,” he said during the announcement.
“She’s an undeniable force both on and off stage, and we can’t wait to see her portrayal of ‘Mama Morton’ on tour. Audiences across the country are in for a treat.”
Gemma withdraws days before opening night
A week before her first night, Gemma pulled out of the tour due to an injury.
“Gemma Collins’ management have informed the producers of Chicago she will no longer be appearing in the UK Tour of the show due to a knee injury,” a spokesperson revealed.
As a result, Loose Women star Brenda Edwards stepped in and replaced her.
‘Surely no one is surprised by this!’
The reaction to her sudden withdrawal was met with a mixed reaction.
“I’m not surprised at all,” one user wrote.
“This is as surprising as blue denim,” another person shared.
“Surely no one is surprised by this!” a third remarked.
Meanwhile, others were sad to see her pull out.
“Heartbroken,” one said.
“GUTTED,” another expressed.
‘The swelling is next level’
After sharing news of her injury, Gemma received cryotherapy treatment on her knee and documented it on her Instagram Story.
“The swelling is next level,” she wrote as she attached a photo of her knee.
“My leg has ballooned with my knee hopefully this will take the swelling down,” Gemma continued.
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