Gemma Collins heartbroken over death of loved one as ‘nothing could save her’

Gemma Collins has taken to Instagram to reveal she is heartbroken over the loss of her dad’s “best friend”.

Sharing an image of her family dog, Lucia, to her 2.2 million followers, she wrote: “Beyond heartbroken today our beautiful Lucia sadly had to be put down nothing could save her she was the best dog ever to our family for the last 15 years my dads best friend #loveyoulucia“

The former TOWIE star, 42, was flooded with replies from fans who understand the heartbreak of losing a pet.

@angelampaterson67 said: “Rainbow Bridge has another beautiful angel dog.”

Whilst @Debbie_heath_flynn wrote: “Sorry for your loss… dogs make the best friends … may she run free now like when she was young xxx”

After her devastating post on Instagram, Gemma also received a message of condolence from her celebrity pals.

Jedward who said: “Such a sweet caring, loving doggy with so much heart big hugs Gemma”

Whilst DJ Fat Tony shared a string of love heart emojis.

Lucia’s tragic passing comes just a week after she met King Charles at the Animal Ball held at Lancaster house. The event held in aid of wildlife conservation charity Elephant Family was set up by Queen Camilla’s late brother Mark Shand.

Dressed in a red and white dress which she paired with matching gloves and an elaborate sparkling cherry headpiece, she waited in line to meet the Monarch.

Speaking with the King, she was caught on video saying: “You really are King of the planet, and we love you for what you do for the animals. Please keep getting that message out there, it means so much.”

She also shared a few jokes with the King and Queen before telling them how much she loved the elephant structures that were created for the charity.

Meeting the King was a special moment for Gemma who in 2020 declared her love for the then Prince Charles during her reality show, Diva In Lockdown.

She had her viewers in hysterics, though by the way she pronounced his name.

At a red carpet event, she said: “I’m in love with Prince Charles, I’m not even joking, he’s so handsome.

“I just would love to be, you know, one of their ambassadors.”