I'm not interested in Christmas this year'

Gemma Collins on being The Grinch, her bond with Jedward and why she thinks the world is becoming dull

- KENZI DEVINE

The holidays are coming, and while many of us prepare to deck the halls, Gemma Collins is not joining in with the seasonal cheer.

Chatting exclusively to new, the former TOWIE star reveals that festivities are cancelled in her house, and she won't be forking out for presents either.

"I'm not interested in Christmas this year, I won't be buying anyone gifts and have asked people not to buy them for me. We have all got enough," says Gemma.

Explaining why she's gone decidedly "Grinch", she explains, "There are a few reasons. Firstly, I don't like the culling of turkeys, then I'm also a humanitarian and don't like what's going on in the world at the minute. Finally, I'm fortunate enough that it's Christmas every day for me, it's like it's my birthday every day. So it's about giving back.

"People out there are starving and we can't just ignore it. The real message about Christmas is spending quality time with your family and appreciating those moments. People need to learn the art of having nothing and being happy."

The 42-year-old also tells us she feels we're beginning to celebrate too early, sharing that she's "sick" of seeing decorations on social media before December. "It's only November! Let's just live for November. Everyone has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas," she says.