Gemma Collins, famed for her appearances on ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ (TOWIE), has indicated that her upcoming nuptials with long-term partner Rami Hawash will take a markedly modest turn. The 44-year-old television personality, affectionately known as “The GC”, is rethinking her once-grand plans in favour of a more personal and intimate celebration.
Collins and Hawash, a 50-year-old businessman, have shared a notably on-and-off relationship since initially meeting in 2011. The couple first became engaged in 2013, only to part ways shortly afterwards. Their romance later rekindled during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, after Collins ended a high-profile relationship with fellow TOWIE cast member James ‘Arg’ Argent. They became engaged once more in 2021 and, after yet another proposal on Valentine’s Day 2024 during a Maldives holiday, appear resolute in their commitment to marry.
In a recent interview with Closer magazine, Collins explained the shift away from plans for a celebrity-filled wedding. She reflected, “The more this has gone on, we kind of just want to do a wedding for us. With these showbiz weddings, it all becomes about everyone else.” It appears that the sad loss of Rami’s father last year has further influenced their desire for a more low-key commemoration.
Although their wedding had faced delays—most recently in 2023, as both partners turned their attention to other priorities—Collins is adamant the pair will exchange vows, stating definitively, “We’re definitely getting married. Definitely, definitely doing it.” She has now indicated 2026 as their target year.
Collins’ public persona has often attracted headlines, whether for her outspoken nature or her struggles and successes with weight loss. After medical approval, she began using the weight-loss medication Mounjaro in November 2024, which has resulted in her shedding nearly two stone. Gemma has openly shared her belief that these changes have boosted her hopes of expanding her family, expressing to The Sun, “I want to have a baby. I truly believe that once my weight goes, I’ll fall pregnant. That’s my hope. I want a baby… and I truly believe I’ll have twins.” She is already stepmother to Hawash’s six-year-old son, Tristan, and aspires to have children of her own in the near future.
Professionally, Collins continues to be active. With TOWIE marking its 15th anniversary, she has revealed she was invited to return to the show that first catapulted her to fame. Despite her interest in participating in a special comeback, she mentioned her agent has advised against a reunion, though Collins herself seems enthusiastic at the idea, saying, “It’ll be fun.”
The dynamic between Collins’ personal life and career demonstrates her inclination to balance the public’s gaze with a degree of privacy, particularly as she moves forward with Hawash. For many celebrities, the spectacle of a “showbiz wedding” can overshadow the intimacy and meaning of the event itself—a notion Collins is increasingly keen to avoid.
Ultimately, Collins’ decision reflects a broader trend among high-profile personalities who have begun eschewing the media circus in favour of ceremonies that are private and deeply personal.
As the couple look toward their 2026 wedding, it remains to be seen whether Collins will return once again to reality TV or if she’ll focus on her family goals. What is clear is her resolve to craft a future that is firmly on her own terms.