Gemma Collins breaks cover amid parents' devastating coronavirus battle

Gemma Collins has returned to social media for the first time in over a week as her beloved dad battles coronavirus.

The former TOWIE star, 39, hasn’t been seen on her Instagram account since January 2, although she has been posting the occasional ad to her Story.

She posted a photo telling fans that their family are there best team they can have – but she has worried followers with her absence ever since.

Usually active Instagramer Gemma returned this weekend as she modelled a pink velvet tracksuit.

Again flaunting her incredible three-stone weight loss, the GC looks happy and relaxed posing on a chic chair wearing her coordinated loungewear.

Fans are glad to see her back after both her parents were struck down with deadly Covid-19.

She had previously revealed her dad Alan has said he’d “rather be dead” than as sick as he is.

Her mum Joan also has the killer bug, but she is said to be recovering at home.

Gemma told fans on Christmas Eve much-loved Alan was in hospital – but has posted no update on his condition since.

She wrote at the time telling everyone to listen to the government: “Please please please take notice of the guidelines!

“Both my parents are extremely unwell with Covid 19!

“Seeing my dad cry which he never does ! Was a shock and say he would rather be dead then experience everything his is going through right now.

“This has totally wiped him out and it’s heartbreaking – my mum also is extremely extremely unwell with Covid also, this is real !

“And please please take notice and keep your loved ones SAFE it really is petrifying what a difference a year makes.”

Her fans wanted to make sure she knows she’s in their thoughts when they left supportive comments on the post.

One commented: “Hope your parents are OK hun.”

“Thinking of you and your family today,” another posted.

A third wrote: “Wishing your dad a very speedy recovery Gemma. Much love to you babe.”