It's not every day that a reality TV star who has built an empire on her role in The Only Way is Essex visits the Welsh valleys.
So when Gemma Collins came to Tonypandy to get her hair done by long-time friend and celebrity hair stylist Nicholas James Tucker on Wednesday, we decided to try and get an interview with the iconic diva… but nothing could have prepared us for the bizarre encounter.
Notorious for her diva attitude and famous catchphrases - “I’m claustrophobic Darren” - The GC has built a successful career on the back of her outlandish role on TOWIE, but is this behaviour just for the cameras?
On my first attempt to the salon I get a call from her hair stylist saying she's running late to get her hair done while visiting Wales for filming. On my second attempt, I made my way into the luxurious Nicholas James Salon and was instantly greeted by the friendly staff, introduced myself to Nicholas and attempted to speak to ‘The GC’.
Read more: The Welsh valleys hair stylist celebs travel hundreds of miles to see for an appointment
Sat in the salon chair, Gemma was waiting to get her extensions taken out. The reality star, who we are now told had no expectation she was being interviewed, didn't acknowledge us and proceeded to look at her phone, with tinted sunglasses on covering her face. I thought to myself ‘I guess the GC lives up to her diva name.'
From there she pointed for Rob, the photographer, and I to go speak to her security guard regarding the interview and to brief her manager when he arrived. Then things got bizarre - Gemma asked her security guard to check Rob’s phone as she thought we were filming her without her consent. After explaining that we hadn't, she then went upstairs to the beauty room to get the rest of her hair done.
While we sat there, awkwardly still waiting for the manager, I noticed all the work that had gone into her arrival - prosecco at the ready, an arch balloon display in the doorway and a food order on its way. There was also the odd car slowly passing, with people hoping to spot her through the glass.
An hour later, her manager arrived and informed us that Gemma wasn't well enough to do an interview today, but tells me to send him the questions. With no expectations of getting a reply, I sent him a Whatsapp.
Almost 24 hours after being in the salon, I received five 10 to 30 second voice notes from the iconic diva. Now as you can imagine, I was dumbfounded to get a response - but this is what Gemma had to say.
What are your first impressions of visiting Tonypandy and the new salon?
“Absolutely blown away by Nick's salon. When I met him 10 years ago I knew he was going to make it big. I don’t see him being in Wales for long, I do think his next stop is Hollywood.”
Why did you feel it was important to support Nicholas today?
“I really think it’s important to support people who’ve been there for you over the years and it’s really nice to see someone as talented as Nick, you know, bring it back to his roots; although, he will be in Hollywood soon, it’s good he’s launched his first salon. Also anyone leaving school or really wanting to do well in life, they should follow Nick for some inspiration and aspiration.”
From your time on Celebrity Big Brother, we’ve all seen how much you value a good blow dry - how would you rate Nicholas’ skills ?
“Nicholas’ skills are a million out of a million - 10 out of 10 isn’t good enough for Nick.”
He has been your hair stylist for the last 10 years, what’s been your favourite memory with him during this time?
“Every memory is my favourite memory with Nick. I think the times we’ve all had together over the years - he’s very professional so there’s never been any hiccups.”
Are you excited to see what the rest of Wales has to offer?
“I love Wales, I'm Welsh - yeah baby. I'm going to catch up with all my family whilst I’m here.”
So there you have it. Four-and-a-half hours spent driving, waiting, driving some more, waiting some more, and a night to sleep it all off, and Gemma finally delivers the goods.
That last answer intrigues me and I want to know more about Gemma’s Welsh roots. But maybe our paths will cross in the future - who knows, we might get a face-to-face chat next time.
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