'Is This A Joke?' Gemma Collins' Crossover With Bridget Phillipson Sparks Outrage

"What’s next? Joey Essex visits the Ministry of Defence?"

Political Correspondent

Bridget Phillipson’s attempts to promote the Department for Education’s work with Gemma Collins has fallen completely flat online.

The education secretary invited the reality TV star into her office on Tuesday to discuss the “government’s reform to vocational study” – all in front of a camera.

Collins, known for her comedic one-liners and dramatic behaviour on The Only Way Is Essex, also filmed an 18-second clip of her going into the government building and demanding: “Right! What are we doing to help the children?”

The DfE has confirmed Collins was not paid for the appearance and will be posting content on her own social media channels to promote the collaboration.

The department says the star, who left school with minimal qualifications, wanted to speak to Phillipson about how to make sure children like her are not left behind in life.

They discussed new V Levels and Occupational Pathways, two new qualifications for 16-year-olds who are not ready to progress beyond GCSEs due to lower attainment.

It’s part of a wider campaign from the government to bring vocational education........

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