Gemma Collins hits back at trolls after video with Bridget Phillipson

Gemma Collins has hit back at trolls and said she was 'honoured' to record a video about caring for SEND children as she insisted it is a 'topic close to my heart'. The Only Way Is Essex star, 45, was featured in footage with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and the pair met to discuss education reforms. The clip - seemingly designed to take advantage of a The Devil Wears Prada trend -saw Collins arrive at the Department for Education and ask staff: 'Right. What are we doing to help the children?' before being shown into the minister's office. Despite it going viral, the reality TV staple received widespread criticism over the video, as parents of SEND children questioned whether she was the right choice for such a promotion, and speculation she had been paid by the government. But Collins has hit back at her doubters, saying she did not receive any payment for taking part and insisting she does have experience of the issue.