Gemma Collins shares heartbreaking tribute to pal Rhys Alan Smith on 'sad day'

Gemma Collins took to social media to share a touching tribute to her late friend . The former star posted on with a reel of throwback images of the pair.

The images were shared alongside the backing track of singing Always Be My Baby. She wrote a heartbreaking tribute to him in which she called him "more brother than friend".

Gemma wrote: "What I would give to be on a boat with you NOW. Today is a very sad day. Never forgotten to special to forget our memories will last a life time.

"I know one day we will meet again. Forever in my heart RHYS my special friend more brother then friend. Wishing love and strength to RHYS special and amazing family today."

Among those sharing comments was Gemma's friend, and Rhys' ex, Harry Derbidge. He simply shared two love heart emojis, one of which was broken. Gemma replied to his comment to say: "He was the love of your life we all know it."

Rhys was found dead in Tenerife in April 2021. Following police officers being called to an address in Granadilla de Abona in Tenerife on April 22, a police source said at the time that "there were no obvious signs of any violence and at this stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious or the result of a crime.” It was later confirmed he had died by hanging.

Gemma has posted about Rhys on a number of occasions since his death. A month after he died, she claimed she received messages from her late friend from beyond the grave.

She explained how she was out when what she called an "angel feather" floated down beside her. The reality TV star dubbed it a "sign" her pal was still with her.

At the time, she took to the Podcast to talk about the painful experience, and said the message from Rhys gave her "comfort". She told listeners: "My dear friend, who was like a little brother to me, sadly passed away and it has been so awful.

"If anyone is feeling not themselves or is struggling please speak to someone." She went on to say: "I did take a week off because I was so distraught. Recording this podcast makes me feel happier and do you know what guys, I missed you all week."

She added: "I really got some comfort the other day, which started to make me feel better - I was watering my trees and a little white angel feather fell down as I was watering my trees.

"If you listen to my podcast you know I believe in that sort of thing and it did give me a bit of comfort. My dear friend Rhys, may he rest in peace."

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email or visit their site to find your local branch

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