Gemma Collins 'snubs exclusive The Only Way Is Essex launch party'

Gemma Collins has reportedly irked The Only Way Is Essex producers after “snubbing” an exclusive launch party to celebrate the new series of the show.

Collins was allegedly the only star missing from the lavish event held for cast and crew at Sheesh, Chigwell.

A source told The Sun: “Gemma’s absence was the talk of the party – everyone wanted to know where she was.

“It’s known that Gemma can be a bit of a diva and isn’t the best at time keeping but producers were offended by her not showing up entirely.

“She's a big character on the show and they would have liked her there.”

They added: “A lot of hard work went into the night to ensure that everyone enjoyed themselves – she missed out on a good time.”

Representatives for Collins declined to comment.

The 37-year-old’s best friends Bobby Norris and Chloe Sims attended the swanky bash while on/off beau James Argent was also there.

For years, fans have followed the love story and turbulent relationship between the Essex duo and series 22 is set to be no different when it starts on Sunday.

Outside of the ITVBe show, Collins is a regular fixture on screens having most recently appeared on E4’s Celebs Go Dating.

Reports suggest that the reality star will be appearing on Celebrity MasterChef later this year, as part of a “compensation deal” for her Radio 1 Teen Choice Awards fall last October.

The Only Way Is Essex starts Sunday 25 March at 9pm on ITVBe.