Reality television personality Gemma Collins has opened up about the complete breakdown of her friendship with former The Only Way Is Essex co-star Bobby Norris, revealing that her attempts to reconnect have been met with years of silence.
Years of Unanswered Calls
The 44-year-old television star, who appeared on the popular ITVBe show from 2011 to 2019, admitted during an appearance on the Wright At Home podcast that she hasn't had a proper conversation with Norris, 39, in a significant period of time. Despite once being inseparable on-screen colleagues, Collins revealed her calls now go straight to voicemail.
"I'd love to see Bobby again, I don't know where he is," Collins shared with podcast presenter Jess Wright. "I did call him with Chloe Sims, cos when she comes over from LA, she doesn't live far from us actually. I said, 'Come on lets ring Bob.' Rung. Did he answer? No."
On-Screen Tension and Calculated Drama
Collins and Norris were frequently at the centre of dramatic confrontations during their time on TOWIE, with viewers regularly treated to their fiery exchanges. However, Collins has now confessed that some of this tension was deliberately manufactured as a strategic move to secure more screen time.
"I used to think, no I've gotta do something on this show to get a scene," she elaborated, explaining her approach to reality television production. Wright praised Collins' ability to make herself memorable on television, noting her clever tactics for ensuring airtime.
Collins reminisced about one particularly memorable confrontation with Norris and fellow cast member Charlie, recalling: "When you're with Bobby and Charlie and 'ask me again have I done a course? Ask me again, have I done a course, Bobby?' And then he chucks the drink and walks out and Charlie goes 'well I ain't going into business with that.'"
From Thick as Thieves to Radio Silence
The reality star expressed genuine bewilderment at the complete cessation of communication between herself and Norris, who were once considered close friends both on and off camera. When Wright enquired whether Norris still had the same phone number, Collins responded: "Probably, yeah," suggesting the lack of response wasn't due to technical issues but rather a deliberate choice.
Their friendship, which blossomed during the height of TOWIE's popularity, has evidently deteriorated to the point where even basic communication has become impossible. Collins' revelation provides a rare glimpse into the complex dynamics that exist behind the scenes of reality television, where on-screen relationships don't always translate to lasting off-screen connections.
Personal Challenges and Gratitude
In more recent developments, Collins has shared positive news regarding her mother Joan's health recovery. The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant took to Instagram to express her gratitude after her mother spent five weeks in Broomfield Hospital battling pneumonia at the end of 2025.
"This day I will never forget," Collins wrote. "Thank you to EVERYONE AT BROOMFIELD Hospital the LAST 5 weeks from reception to tea lady to Physios doctors nurses its an Absolute MIRACLE."
She continued to acknowledge the support she received during this difficult period, thanking friends, strangers, and medical staff who provided comfort and assistance. "Thank you to everyone who has come up to me contacted me prayed for my mum! I've been blown away by the amount of people who hugged me in the shops and everyone who would ask me how mum is I APPRECIATE you more than you will ever know."
Collins concluded her heartfelt message by recognising her closest friends and those who offered practical help, writing: "My Closest friends, people who cooked me dinner, the lovely Lambas it meant so much. GOD is GOOD."
The contrast between Collins' current personal gratitude and her professional estrangement from Norris highlights the complex intersection of reality television relationships and genuine personal connections in the entertainment industry.
