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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham

Gemma Collins says panic room in £1.3m mansion makes her feel like Whitney Houston

Gemma Collins has been sharing some incredible details of the Essex mansion she snapped up for £1.3million this year.

The reality star, 40, likened the security measures in her new home to a fortress as she revealed she has a ring-of-steel surrounding the property and a panic room inside.

Gemma said the added features made her feel like Whitney Houston's character in classic movie The Bodyguard, who sought protection from Kevin Costner after coming under threat from a crazed stalker.

"You name it, I've got it," boasted the former TOWIE star.

Gemma Collins talked fans through some of the security measures she has installed in her new home (gemmacollins/Instagram)
Gemma said having a panic room made her feel like Whitney Houston in 1992 hit movie The Bodyguard (Rex Features)

Opening up about her lavish new property on her BBC podcast, Gemma told listeners: "I moved into my new house. Basically I feel like Whitney Houston.

"Literally I’ve been getting so much done, I’ve got security out and in. The work that goes into it. It’s been like a scene from The Bodyguard.

"I’ve got panic rooms. You name it, I’ve got it in the house. Just call me Whitney, baby."

She splashed out on a live size glittery horse for the back garden (Instagram)
Gemma is hoping to transform the Essex home into a pink palace (Instagram)

After moving into the impressive pad this year, Gemma has been adding lots of personal touches to help her settle in - including a glittery life-size horse in the garden.

"Until I get the real thing, this has to do. It's soooo beautiful in my house," she told her Instagram followers as she posed beside the ornament.

Gemma said she was planning a two-year renovation project to turn the manor into a sparkly pink palace with its own helipad and gem-encrusted bath tub.

To help Gemma on her way to achieving the diva-tastic interiors of her dreams, pals clubbed together to buy the star a Dolce & Gabanna toaster and kettle set for her 40th birthday.

(Instagram)

The appliances cost an eye-watering £500 each and come in the extravagant floral design of the Italian designers.

Speaking about her luxury gift, Gemma said she couldn't just put any old cheap bread in.

"I'll have to have sour dour," she inisted.

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