Gemma Collins has hit back at suggestions that she edits her social media images to make herself appear thinner.
The TOWIE star, who has achieved a weight loss of around two stone in recent months, opened up to Closer magazine about the accusations, saying that she simply uses flattering angles to take her pics.
'I was accused of Photoshopping a selfie on Instagram to make me look thinner. I didn't Photoshop it, but all women like to use an app here and there to make themselves look a bit better. Who doesn't?' the 36-year-old said.
Image: Instagram/Gemma Collins
'I don't know why my body is such big news. I'm not a slim girl and don't pretend to be. If you take a picture at a higher or more flattering angle then you look slimmer anyway - and that's what I do.'
Adding that she is currently a size 20, Gemma continued: 'I believe you have to embrace the body you have.
'At the moment, I'm feeling the best I've been in a long time - I'm happy with the way I look.
'I get thousands of messages a day from women who struggle with their weight and say I give them confidence. It's overwhelming that some women see me as a role model.'
Gemma followed up on her positive sentiments by posting a video to her Instagram account, telling her 'So girls just to say this video has no app no slimming filter no nothing just SASS confidence and CURVES rock your body your way'
Posing in a Swarovski crystal poncho, which she says is 'the perfect gift for Mother's Day', Gemma proudly showed off her figure without any filters or Photoshop.
Image: Instagram/Gemma Collins
Fans were quick to applaud her for her honesty, with one writing: 'Ur amazing !!! Looking so fab' and another adding: 'Love you Gemma you embrace your curves x'
'Only real men can handle curves ❤️,' a third agreed. 'Sexy is confidence ❤️ #slayallday @gemmacollins1'
