Gemma Collins broke down in tears after being ‘overcome with emotion’ when she visited Bethlehem on New Year’s Day.
The former TOWIE star, 41, described seeing the birthplace of Jesus as “the most impressive and unreal experience” of his life as he shared an Instagram image of himself crying at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The TV personality admitted she had “tears rolling down my face” as she visited the Church of the Nativity in Jerusalem with her fiancé Rami Hawash, 48, and stepson Tristan, five.
‘The most amazing and unreal experience of my life’: Gemma Collins broke down in tears after being ‘overcome with emotion’ when she visited Bethlehem on New Year’s Day
Speaking in a video of her experience, Gemma said: ‘I’m in the church in Bethlehem and I have tears rolling down my face.
‘This is the most impressive and unreal experience of my life. The feeling here is – it cannot be described.
‘It’s just overwhelming, I hope everyone gets to experience this once in their life. Your hair stands on end, it’s just, I feel breathless, it’s so beautiful.
Gemma admitted she was ‘shocked’ by the experience after visiting the site with her fiance over the new year holidays in Israel to see Rami’s family who live there.
Special moment: The former TOWIE star, 41, described seeing the birthplace of Jesus as “the most impressive and unreal experience” of his life while sharing an image on Instagram
She wrote alongside an Instagram photo: ‘BELEN I can’t believe I’ve been so unbelievably lucky to have been where baby Jesus was born and touched the spot.
I am totally impressed and looking forward to my spiritual journeys in 2023.
“The feeling of this is like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I can’t even describe what I felt at that moment, I was totally blown away.”
Gemma also spent New Year’s Eve there last year and said at the time: ‘He wants to take me to Bethlehem and Jerusalem. He is from Israel, and I have always wanted to go.
Holy Land: The TV personality admitted she had “tears rolling down my face” as she visited the historic site with her fiancé Rami Hawash, 48, (pictured) and stepson Tristan, five
Grateful: Along with the snap, Gemma said, “BELEN, I can’t believe I’ve been so incredibly lucky to have been where baby Jesus was born and touched the spot.”
‘Madonna has been there, a lot of people have been there. I also have a lot of Jewish friends and they all always tell me how amazing it is.
‘It’s going to be very nice. Now I’m getting older, I like to be a bit of a tourist. I would love to see Bethlehem. I’m very excited, so that’s my Christmas present.’
It comes after Gemma enjoyed a very lavish Christmas day with a meal prepared by a personal chef on Instagram after she said she didn’t want presents this year.
The former TOWIE star revealed that he would rather the money go to those who are struggling rather than receive freebies amid the cost of living crisis.
‘Thank you for the best dinner’: It comes after Gemma treated herself to a very lavish Christmas day with a meal prepared by a personal chef on Instagram.
The beauty dressed to impress for the holiday in a stunning gold wrap dress as she posed with Rami and chef Vlad Djukanov.
The star said she had the “best dinner” ever prepared by Vlad as she shared a series of snaps of her meal.
Although Gemma insisted she wouldn’t buy gifts this year because the money could be better spent, she didn’t miss out after receiving gifts from Valentino.
The Diva Forever star was personally presented with a dazzling pink bag from the brand, which signed the card: ‘From your friends at Valentino’.
Feeling festive: The beauty dressed to impress for the holiday in a stunning gold wrap dress as she posed with fiance Rami Hawash
In another moment, Gemma looked at the image of happiness next to her husband-to-be, who was dressed as Santa Claus, in front of the tree, while their son Tristan also appeared in the shot.
In her festive snap, Gemma was as glam as ever in the sparkly mini dress, with the TV star adding a bold red lip as her blonde locks were styled in voluminous waves.
Her living room was certainly ready for the holidays, with a stunning fir tree, snacks on the table, and presents under the tree, though it’s doubtful if any were hers given her recent comments.
Amid her recent claims that she will scale back on festivities this year, Gemma said she doesn’t want any gifts this year because she’s “doing her bit” amid the current difficult weather.
No need: It comes after Gemma insisted she doesn’t ‘need or want’ any gifts and has asked those close to ‘not to buy anything from me’
She told The Sun: ‘When I watch the news and see people lose their homes, this is serious. I’m really trying to do my part this year. I think that’s why Christmas is going to be so special because we all face it and fuck the presents, no offense.
‘You could give me a diamond encrusted Rolex, it wouldn’t mean a thing to me, I’d rather you take that money and go and heat some old ladies or plant trees and give back to the planet.
‘I don’t want anything, my cup is full, I don’t need anything, I don’t want anything, I feel totally fulfilled in life’.
Gemma went on to say that if she wanted anything, it would be her own greenhouse so she could grow her own produce.
The TV personality added that her attitude has changed since moving to the country, noting that while she would have coveted diamonds before, they now mean ‘shit’ to her.
Instead, Gemma will spend “a real family Christmas” with her loved ones, where she will reflect on how “lucky” they all are.
Ho Ho Ho! Rami got in the festive mood when he donned a Santa costume for the day.