Gemma Collins is ‘blown away’ as she visits Bethlehem to see where Jesus was born

Gemma Collins broke down in tears after feeling ‘overcome with emotion’ when visiting Bethlehem on New Year’s Day.

The former TOWIE star, 41, described seeing the birthplace of Jesus as ‘the most breathtaking and unreal experience’ of her life while sharing an Instagram image as she wept at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The TV personality admitted she had ‘tears rolling down my face’ as she visited the the Church of the Nativity in Jerusalem with her fiancé Rami Hawash, 48, and her step-son Tristan, five.

‘The most breathtaking and unreal experience of my life’: Gemma Collins broke down in tears after feeling ‘overcome with emotion’ when visiting Bethlehem on New Year’s Day

Alongside the snap, Gemma gushed: ‘BETHLEHEM I can’t believe I’ve been so unbelievably lucky to have been where baby Jesus was born and touch the spot.

‘I am totally blown away and looking forward to my spiritual journeys in 2023.

‘The feeling of this was like nothing I’ve ever felt before I can’t even describe what I felt in that moment I was totally blown away’.

Gemma is currently enjoying a New Year’s holiday in Israel with her fiancé Rami Hawash, who is from the country and whose family live there.

She spent last year’s New Year there as well, and said at the time: ‘He wants to take me to Bethlehem and Jerusalem. He’s from Israel, and I’ve always wanted to go.

Special moment: The former TOWIE star, 41, described seeing the birthplace of Jesus as ‘the most breathtaking and unreal experience’ of her life while sharing an Instagram image

Holy land: The TV personality admitted she had ‘tears rolling down my face’ as she visited the historical site with her fiancé Rami Hawash, 48, (pictured) and her step-son Tristan, five

Grateful: Alongside the snap, Gemma gushed: ‘BETHLEHEM I can’t believe I’ve been so unbelievably lucky to have been where baby Jesus was born and touch the spot’

‘Madonna’s been there, so many people have been there. I’ve got lots of Jewish friends as well and everyone always tells me how amazing it is.

‘It’s going to be really nice. Now I’m getting older, I like to be a bit of a tourist. I would love to see Bethlehem. I’m really excited, so that’s my Christmas present.’

It comes after Gemma enjoyed a very lavish Christmas Day complete with a meal prepared by a personal chef on Instagram after she said she didn’t want presents this year.

The former TOWIE star revealed she’d rather the money go to those who are struggling instead of her receiving gifts amid the cost of living crisis.

‘Thank you for the best dinner’: It comes after Gemma enjoyed a very lavish Christmas Day complete with a meal prepared by a personal chef on Instagram after she said she didn’t want presents this year

The beauty dressed to impress for the festive day in a stunning gold wrap dress as she posed with Rami and chef Vlad Djukanov.

The star gushed that she had the ‘best dinner’ prepared by Vlad as she shared a number of snaps of their food.

Although Gemma insisted she wouldn’t be buying gifts this year because the money could be better spent, she didn’t miss out herself after receiving gifts from Valentino.

The Diva Forever star was personally sent a dazzling pink handbag by the brand, which signed the card: ‘From your friends at Valentino’.

‘I want nothing’: The former TOWIE star revealed she’d rather the money go to those who are struggling instead of her receiving gifts amid the cost of living crisis

Feeling festive: The beauty dressed to impress for the festive day in a stunning gold wrap dress as she posed with her fiancé Rami Hawash

In another snap Gemma looked the picture of happiness alongside her husband-to-be – who was dressed as Santa – in front of the tree, while his son Tristan was also seen in the shot.

In her festive snap, Gemma was as glam as ever in the sparkling mini dress, with the TV star adding a bold red lip while her blonde locks were styled in voluminous waves.

Her living room was certainly festive ready, with a stunning spruce, snacks on the able and presents under the tree – though it’s doubtful any would be hers if her recent comments to go by.

Wow! Although Gemma insisted she wouldn’t be buying gifts this year because the money could be better spent, she didn’t miss out herself after receiving gifts from Valentino

Dazzling: Gemma was sent a sparkling pink bag by the brand

Amid her recent claims she’s cutting back on the festivities this year, Gemma told how she doesn’t want any gifts this year as she’s ‘doing her bit’ amid the difficult current climate.

She told The Sun: ‘When I am watching the news and seeing people losing their houses, this is serious. I am really trying to do my bit this year. I think that is why Christmas is going to be so special because we are all up against it and f**k presents, no offence.

‘You could give me a diamond encrusted Rolex, it wouldn’t mean anything to me, I would rather you took that money and go and put some old girls heating on or plant trees and give back to the planet.

Boozy! Gemma showed off her Christmas table complete with a bucket of booze

‘Best chef ever’: The star gushed that she had the ‘best dinner’ prepared by Vlad as she shared a number of snaps of their food

No need: It comes after Gemma insisted that she does not ‘need or want’ any gift and has asked her close ones ‘not to buy me a thing’

‘I want nothing, my cup is full, there is nothing I need, there is nothing I want, I feel totally fulfilled in life.’

Gemma went on to say that if she did want anything, it would be her own greenhouse so that she could grow her own produce.

The TV personality added that her attitude has changed since moving to the countryside, noting that while previously she would have coveted diamonds, they now mean ‘jack s**t’ to her.

Instead, Gemma will spend ‘a really family Christmas’ with her loved ones, where she’ll reflect on how ‘lucky’ they all are.