Former star of The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) Gemma Collins has made a startling discovery about her family history – a connection to the infamous Jack The Ripper. Collins, known for her larger-than-life personality, is set to appear on the BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? and has shared her shock at uncovering this surprising revelation.
Gemma Collins’ Shocking Discovery
During filming for the show, Collins learned that members of her family resided on Dorset Street in London, the same street where two of Jack The Ripper’s victims, Mary Kelly and Annie Chapman, lived. Dorset Street was known for being one of the most lawless areas in the capital during the time of the notorious serial killer, with minimal police presence.
Collins expressed her astonishment at the connection, stating, “We lived on the same street as Jack The Ripper’s victims. So, one of my lot could have actually been Jack The Ripper. Do you know what I mean? When you watch it, we’re on the same street in London, Dorset Street, where Jack the Ripper was doing all his killings. That was a bit of, you know, absolutely shocking.”
Exploring Family History
In addition to uncovering the link to Jack The Ripper, Collins delves into her family’s past on the show. She explores the history of her mother, Joan, who was adopted, and gains insight into why her grandmother made the decision to part with her. Collins describes the experience as opening a “Pandora’s Box” of information that has been a significant gift to her mother.
She reflects on the revelations, saying, “I think it was very sad, you can see from the film that her mum maybe wasn’t in the best space to keep her, and it was the right decision. But sadly my mum had a lucky escape, thank god she didn’t stay with her mum, although she’s only found that out now and spent her whole life wondering why it was the right reason.”
Collins expresses gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about her family’s past and the impact it has had on her mother’s life. She acknowledges that the information uncovered has provided closure and understanding for her family.
The Impact of Discovery
Collins reveals that her mother was both open and apprehensive about delving into the details of why she was separated from her biological mother. The show has allowed them to address unanswered questions and shed light on the circumstances that shaped their family history.
Reflecting on her mother’s past, Collins shares, “It was for the very best that she was taken from her mum, for sure, because her mum went on to have abusive partners, very abusive partners, so that was not good at all. And god forbid that would have happened to mum.”
The experience of exploring her family tree has been a mix of emotions for Collins and her mother, but ultimately, it has provided a deeper understanding of their roots and the choices that were made in the past.
In conclusion, Gemma Collins’ journey on Who Do You Think You Are? promises to be a revealing and emotional exploration of her family’s history. The connection to Jack The Ripper adds a chilling dimension to her ancestry, highlighting the complex and sometimes unsettling nature of familial ties. Tune in to watch Collins’ episode on BBC One to witness the full extent of her revelations and the impact on her family.
