**Gemma Collins Tops Poll as the Ultimate Night Out Companion and Unveils the SlayStation Experience**
Gemma Collins, best known for her time on The Only Way is Essex, has been crowned the public’s top choice for a night out, surpassing fellow celebrities Katie Price and Alison Hammond. According to a newly released survey, Collins, popularly called ‘The GC’, clinched 27% of the vote, solidifying her status as the ultimate companion for a memorable evening. Katie Price and Alison Hammond followed closely in the poll, securing 25% and 22% respectively.
This surge in popularity comes as Collins, aged 44, launches the much-anticipated ‘SlayStation’ in partnership with Trainline. The event, set to arrive at London’s King’s Cross station on 7th June, is designed to transform the way revellers prepare for their evenings out, offering free professional hair and make-up sessions to travellers and partygoers. Notably, the initiative has resonated particularly strongly with Generation Z, confirming Collins’ broad cross-generational appeal.
Speaking about the upcoming launch, Collins shared her enthusiasm for the best parts of a night out, emphasising how the moments leading up to the event are often the most enjoyable. “The build-up is everything—the group chats, getting glammed up, creating the perfect playlist, and all those hilarious pre-party conversations,” she remarked. “SlayStation is about adding a dose of glamour—some hair, a touch of make-up, and a big helping of fabulous energy. If you’re heading out, make sure you’re ready to slay.”
The findings, gathered from a YouGov sample of 2,000 adults and commissioned by Trainline, highlight how crucial the process of getting ready is to many Brits. A resounding 75% of 18–34-year-olds confessed that their night actually begins well before reaching the venue—be it through styling, music, or socialising with friends. This underlines a broader cultural shift towards valuing the pre-party ritual as much as the night itself.
To enhance this experience, Trainline’s SlayStation at King’s Cross invites visitors—whether they are attending the nearby Beyoncé Cowboy Carter tour or simply passing through—to book complimentary last-minute makeovers. With a team of professional stylists on hand, guests can ensure they are camera-ready at no extra cost. And, with a bit of luck, attendees might even catch a glimpse of Collins herself lending her sparkle to the event.
The research also highlighted some intriguing trends in how far people will go for a good time. One in five young adults aged 18–24 admitted to being willing to travel up to 50 miles in pursuit of that perfect night out. For many, the journey itself has become a significant part of the experience, with 80% of those asked identifying it as a vital component, and 60% admitting they use travel time to put the finishing touches on their look.
This phenomenon is pushing partygoers to plan well in advance. One in five respondents said they start thinking about their outfits up to a month before the event, with around 70% using their time on trains to make sure every detail is just right. For Trainline, this evolution in night-out culture provided the perfect inspiration for SlayStation.
Sarah Helppi, UK Country Director for Trainline, underscored the importance of the journey, stating, “Unforgettable nights out don’t begin at the venue; they start with the journey. Whether it’s getting ready on the train, sharing music, or those unique conversations en route, travel is pivotal to the experience. SlayStation celebrates this journey, making it as memorable as the destination itself.”
A financial breakdown of night-out preparations was also provided, revealing that Millennials are inclined to spend generously, with 38% forking out over £60 on getting ready and over half prepared to dish out more than £100 during the night. Gen X follows closely, whilst Gen Z seems more restrained, with only two in five expecting to spend as much on the outing itself.
Aspiring partygoers can book appointments for the SlayStation experience online or try their luck with walk-in slots. With the combination of expert beauticians and the excitement of Collins’ involvement, the event promises to kickstart thousands of nights out in style. As the trend of pre-party preparation continues to grow, the initiative signals just how important the build-up has become in British nightlife culture.
For more details or to reserve a spot, visit the Trainline ‘SlayStation’ page. As Gemma Collins proves, sometimes the magic really does start before you get through the door.