Gemma Collins breaks silence on scary pneumonia battle in chaotic radio appearance
GEMMA Collins has opened up on her scary pneumonia battle in her first interview since revealing her health battle.
The 44-year-old appeared on Hawksbee and Baker live on talkSPORT where she was forced to briefly pause the chat in order to cough as a result of the condition.
She first took to social media earlier this week to confirm she had been struck down by the condition.
The star is still being affected by the condition today but rallied herself together to appear on the afternoon radio programme.
However, during one portion of the interview, Gemma was forced to pause as she held a piece of paper to her mouth in order to cough.
The Diva Forever star said to the hosting duo: “Guys, I’ve got pneumonia. One minute. I need to cough.”
After catching the hosts off-guard, she added: “Sorry, I’ve got pneumonia. I’m not even joking.”
It led Paul Hawksbee to comment that they didn’t expect Gemma to even take part in the pre-planned chat after hearing of her current condition.
He said to her: “We didn’t think you’d show up today.”
But Gemma rebuffed the suggestion, saying: “Are you joking?
“I’ve actually had it for three weeks, I’m at the tail end of it now but the cough comes on and it’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.”
Paul told Gemma he’d also experienced it a few years ago which led the star to admit she fears she’d have been hospitalised if she had caught it an older age.
Gemma told him: “Do you know what, I’m gonna be honest, if I was older than what I am, I think I’d be in a hospital right now.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it. But I wouldn’t let you boys down.”
Earlier this week, Gemma shared a snap of her hooked up to a drip after stating her illness is making it difficult to breathe.
With no make-up on and in her pyjamas, the former Towie star apologised for keeping a low profile online.
She then shocked fans further with a picture on Instagram of her arm hooked up to several drips via a cannula.
Admitting she was really struggling with fatigue, Gemma said: “Hey guys sorry been quiet i have Pneumonia. I’m not as fast or on it as I usually am on the daily.
“I am still honouring my work commitments which is taking every bit of energy i have but will be back entertaining you all soon.”
Over on her Stories, she also posted a shot of a doctor labelling a box of medication.
“Thank you to everyone helping me,” Gemma continued.
“I’ve had pneumonia for three weeks and honestly can’t thank everyone, all the docs helping me.
“I’m having to take it easy which is not like me, very slow and get so out of breath and tired so quick.”
Gemma said her pet dog Gucci has been comforting her throughout her illness.