Gemma Collins pens touching tribute as she grieves best friend who died suddenly

Gemma Collins has penned a moving tribute in memory of her close pal Rhys Alan Smith after he sadly passed away in Tenerife.

The 40-year-old TOWIE star, who said Rhys was like a brother, took to social media to share several posts as she remembered her late pal.

The cast of TOWIE was left devastated at the end of April when it was revealed that Harry Derbidge's ex Rhys had tragically died at the age of 28.

Almost one month on since the heartbreaking announcement, Gemma shared a collection of new snaps as she admitted it was going to be a 'tough day'.

Alongside a clip of Rhys, which Gemma shared with her 2.2 million Instagram followers, the reality star wrote: "My one in a million @rhysalan you was a little brother to me we all loved you like our own and today is going to be incredibly tough because it still doesn’t seem real I would give anything to bring you back.

Gemma Collins was left heartbroken after learning of the death of her friend Rhys Alan Smith (Instagram)

She added: "you was nothing but sunshine. love and laughs I hope you find peace where you are and I will see you again one day .

"I think of you all the time and I loved you so much what I can’t get over is I spoke to you the same night you passed away. always in my heart. forever and ever #mygucci."

In another post that she shared on her Instagram story, Gemma said: "Going to be a very tough day my Gucci @rhysalan.

Gemma Collins shared a moving tribute in memory of her late friend on social media (Instagram)

Gemma shared a clip of Rhys singing on social media alongside the tribute (Instagram)

"I have been heartbroken recently you was like a little brother to me I love you so much and I would give anything I have to magically bring you back everyone loved you and you was so special RIP I just can't believe you are gone but not forgotten."

Rhys, who was the subject of a storyline between Harry and Bobby Norris on the ITVBe reality show, was found dead in Tenerife where he lived for the last eight years.

At the time, a host of TOWIE stars including James Argent and Harry took to social media to pay tribute.

Rhys was also good friends with Gemma's parents and was pictured with his arms wrapped around the duo (Instagram)

A fundraiser in Rhys' memory that was launched online by his loved ones has so far raised an incredible £6,673 in the hopes of creating a memorial on the Spanish island as well as donating to charity.

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