GEMMA Collins has revealed her secret family heartbreak as she admits be having a low-key Christmas this year.

The reality star, 41, said it's a very "upsetting" time as she opened up about a family member's health battle.

Gemma explained that the festive period will be a quiet one this year as she "prays" for her dad Alan's twin brother, who is currently in hospital.

"It's always at this time of the year that we remember our passed ones, sadly my dad's twin brother is in hospital at the minute and he's massively in our thoughts," Gemma said on the GC podcast.

"It's just very upsetting, it's more upsetting at this time at Christmas when you have a loved one in hospital but you just keep sending them your prayers and you call upon your angels."

It will be a difficult time for Gemma this year as she spoke about the loss of her good friend Rhys Alan Smith, who tragically died last year.

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"I believe in angels massively, a very dear friend of mine took his own life, my lovely Rhys and I have a lion of him, he bought me an ornament for my 40th birthday," she continued.

"I've put it in my Christmas room because that is one person I would love to see at Christmas.

"I really get choked when I think about him, he's never far from my thoughts, and just to say if anyone is having any thoughts out there at this time of year because it can be stressful or lonely please reach out to someone."

Gemma said she plans to have a simple Christmas this year with no luxury gifts amid the cost-of-living crisis.

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She went on: "It is only once a year embrace it and make the most of it. Christmas is just another day, it is a special day don't get me wrong.

"But I said this year I want to go to church on Christmas Eve, sing some carols and strip it back this year.

"I don't need a diamond encrusted Bentley to be happy. It would be nice don't get me wrong."

It comes after Gemma claimed she was "cutting back" to save money.

The star told her fans: “I’ve got to just talk about one thing that’s going on. I don’t feel Christmassy. I don’t know why I don’t feel Christmassy.

“I’ve been watching the Christmas movies, I’ve been eating the mince pies and I’ve even put in my phone for Santa Claus to give me a call. I’ve done it all."

Gemma also admitted to feeling this way due to the cost of living crisis.

“Cost of living crisis and people’s electricity going up.”

The millionaire reality TV, star told fans to stop giving presents this year and help out those in need instead.

She’s also decided to keep things simple this year and be a little more cost-effective.

Gemma pulled out all the stops in 2021 to make sure that everyone had a brilliant Christmas.

She gave her £1.3m Essex mansion an incredible makeover, which included a huge Christmas tree and magical lights.

But the former Towie star has decided not to do that this year.

She continued on her podcast: “I normally light my house up like from The Grinch but even I’ve cut back this year.

“I just feel like there’s a vibe in the atmosphere and it doesn’t feel Christmassy.

“I’m normally Mrs Santa Claus and love everything to do with Christmas but this year it doesn’t feel the same.

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“There’s so much going on out there regarding people can’t pay their bills and people’s mortgages have gone up. It doesn’t feel right this year to have a big over the top Christmas.

“I hope the spirit kicks in for me as Christmas is two weeks away.”

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