Gemma Collins has admitted she sometimes breaks down in tears when she thinks about her dad Alan's devastating battle with Covid this time last year.
The reality star, 40, says she still gets emotional in public, 12 months on, when she's reminded how close she was to losing her beloved father due to the pandemic.
Both of Gemma's parents were battling with the virus before Christmas 2020, but her dad was suffering particularly badly and had been rushed to hospital.
Thankfully, he is on the mend and Gem says he "gets stronger every day," but she has got him under strict orders.
"I only let him work 3 days a week now," she told The Sun. "Long Covid is not a five minute thing. It is a journey. I was so traumatised by it. I keep having flashbacks now.
"I will be in the middle of the street or the shop and suddenly I will start crying and mum will be like, 'Are you alright?'
"I just cant believe what happened this time last year."
The former TOWIE babe says she is making the most of the festive period this year, telling the publication: "I am going to be stuck to my dad like glue. He is going to want to run away from me."
Gemma is going all out for her parents this year and will be turning to the help of caterers to make sure she doesn't "burn the turkey or sprouts".
Last year, Gemma's life was turned upside down as she was so close to losing her father.
Speaking on her BBC podcast, The Gemma Collins Podcast, at the time, she said: "It has been just the most awful Christmas and New Year for me. I am not going to dwell on it.
"Both of my parents have had Covid. My dad is still in hospital now. He's literally been fighting for his life.
"It has been one awful time of it but I'm so happy to be back chatting with you all."
She went on: "Things are so difficult. It is relentless at the moment with everything going on.
"I am finding myself juggling so many plates at the minute.
"It's been a real shock to myself and my family with my dad being in hospital."
Fortunately, things are looking brighter for Gem and her family, and she is super excited to spend Christmas with both her parents this year.
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