Gemma Collins, known for her vibrant personality on TOWIE, recently delved into her family history on the show Who Do You Think You Are? In the episode, Gemma discovered that her ancestors had a rich and colorful past that led her to uncover some surprising revelations.
One shocking discovery Gemma made was the connection between her family and Dorset Street in East London, the site of one of Jack The Ripper’s murders. Gemma expressed her belief that her [great-great] grandfather could have been the notorious killer, as he was never caught. This revelation added an element of mystery to Gemma’s family history.
Throughout the episode, Gemma also learned about her ancestral grandmother Thirza, who was dedicated to improving her family’s life by moving to Essex. Inspired by Thirza’s story, Gemma decided to name her future daughter Thirza, as the name means “delight” or “pleasing” in Hebrew. This choice reflects Gemma’s admiration for her ancestor’s strength and determination.
One of the most emotional moments on the show was when Gemma helped her mother Joan uncover the truth about her past. Joan, who was abandoned at a hospital as a newborn and placed in foster care, had always felt a sense of not being wanted. Through the help of the show’s genealogists, Gemma was able to provide her mother with closure after a lifetime of unanswered questions.
The show also revealed the tragic circumstances surrounding Joan’s separation from her biological mother, who was struggling with mental health issues at the time. Gemma’s reunion with Joan’s long-lost cousins, who had been living nearby all along, brought a sense of healing and connection to the family.
Since the filming of the episode, Gemma and her family have come together to celebrate their newfound connections and shared history. The experience has brought them closer and provided them with a deeper understanding of their roots. Gemma expressed her gratitude for being able to give her mother the closure she had been seeking for so long.
Overall, Gemma’s journey into her family history has been a transformative and touching experience for her and her loved ones. The revelations and connections made on the show have left a lasting impact and brought a sense of unity to the family. Gemma’s unique choice of baby name and the revelations about her family’s past have added depth and meaning to her life story.