The poignant life of Gemma Collins’ grandmother, described as “schizophrenic,” was revealed during an emotional episode of Who Do You Think You Are? The TOWIE star and her mother were visibly moved as they uncovered their family’s tragic history, leading to tears among viewers. The episode explored the challenges and struggles faced by Collins’ grandmother, shedding light on the impact of mental health issues within the family.
In a deeply emotional episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, Gemma Collins, 43, uncovered the tragic life of her grandmother, who suffered from schizophrenia. The former TOWIE star traced the story of her mother, Joan’s, biological mother, also named Joan, who was compelled to relinquish her daughter to a foster family. For much of her life, Joan believed that her mother had abandoned her, adding a profound layer of heartbreak to the family’s history.
Gemma Collins and the Who Do You Think You Are? team revealed that her grandmother may have been compelled to give up her daughter due to misdiagnosed mental health issues. Starting from the age of 13, Gemma’s grandmother frequently spent time in psychiatric hospitals and was ultimately diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia—a diagnosis that is now being disputed. This revelation adds complexity to the family’s narrative, highlighting the potential impact of mental health misdiagnoses across generations.
In the emotional episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, an expert explained that Gemma Collins’ grandmother may have been pressured to give up her daughter due to her mental health struggles after becoming pregnant as a teenager. This led to Joan feeling abandoned and unloved throughout her childhood, as she shared her experience of entering foster care at just two weeks old.
Both Joan and Gemma broke down while reading her foster statement, expressing the overwhelming mix of emotions it stirred. Joan recounted her painful memories of being sent to a children’s home at age 13, where she faced bullying and felt imprisoned. She described arriving with her suitcase, only to have her clothes taken by other children, which deeply affected her.
Reflecting on her biological mother, Joan recalled their brief meetings, emphasizing the fleeting nature of their relationship. Viewers on X shared their sympathy for Joan’s experiences, with comments highlighting the difficulty of not knowing one’s family history.
At the start of the episode, Gemma expressed her confusion and sadness about her mother being fostered, questioning why she was left at the hospital and why her biological parents didn’t return for her. She noted that these topics were likely too painful for her mother to discuss.
The episode culminated with Gemma reflecting on the importance of uncovering her family’s history, stating, “It will be nice to know where my mum is from. And just put all the pieces together.”
Who Do You Think You Are? is a long-running BBC genealogy series that has been airing since 2004, featuring celebrities as they trace their family trees. The current season began in August and has already included notable figures such as actress Vicky McClure. Over its 21 seasons, the show has explored the family histories of numerous celebrities, including Adil Ray, Kate Winslet, Jeremy Clarkson, and J.K. Rowling, making it a staple of British television.
Gemma Collins has expressed her excitement over a potential connection to Jack the Ripper, the infamous and unidentified serial killer responsible for the murders of five women in London in 1888. During her appearance on Who Do You Think You Are?, she was thrilled to discover that she has ancestors who lived on Dorset Street, a location linked to several of the Ripper’s victims. This revelation has led her to believe that she might be related to the notorious figure, intensifying her interest in her family’s history and the dark past associated with it.
