Gemma Collins: Diva on Lockdown

Gemma Collins: Diva on Lockdown is a British reality television series that premiered on ITVBe on 26 April 2020.[1] The programme stars television personality and businesswoman Gemma Collins, and is a spinoff series of Gemma Collins: Diva Forever. Filmed primarily within Collins' home, the series was created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]

Gemma Collins: Diva on Lockdown
GenreReality television
StarringGemma Collins
Narrated byAngus Deayton
Opening theme"It's The GC" by Tallia Storm
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original language(s)English
No. of episodes3
Production
Executive producer(s)
  • Kate Amarnani
  • Huw Slipper
Producer(s)Sophie Bush
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time60 minutes
Production company(s)Lime Pictures
Release
Original networkITVBe
Original release26 April (2020-04-26) –
10 May 2020 (2020-05-10)
Chronology
Related showsGemma Collins: Diva Forever

History

Creation

Diva on Lockdown was initially planned to be a second series of Diva Forever,[3] but due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, production was forced to be suspended.[4] Collins took to Instagram and said: "We were in the middle of filming my new series of Diva [Forever] with loads of exciting stuff planned. But as you know, we’ve found ourselves in the middle of a pandemic. So here we are now... I'm standing in my living room, with fixed rig cameras all over my house to bring you Diva on Lockdown."[5] Collins continued: "I'm being filmed and I've also got the producers speaking in my ear so if it sounds as if I’m talking to myself... well maybe sometimes I am. I can guarantee though, what you see will definitely be 100% authentic GC. I hope it cheers you up in these difficult times."[5] Commissioner Paul Mortimer commented: "Gemma has proven in all her previous outings across ITV that she is a star who thrives on audience and public interaction. Both generous and warm, the GC is one of the most gregarious personalities in the UK. ITVBe is therefore very grateful to her for finishing production on her new series whilst on lockdown."[6]

Production

Diva on Lockdown was filmed at Collins' home in Brentwood, Essex,[7] with fixed rig cameras set in most rooms.[6] The series was filmed at the beginning of April 2020,[2] and will air across three 60-minute episodes.[8] Kate Amarnani and Huw Slipper act as executive producers for the series, while Sophie Bush produces.[9]

Episodes
Episode
no.		 Title Original air date UK viewers (millions)[10]
1"Episode 1"26 April 2020 (2020-04-26)[11]0.78
Gemma visits Lime Pictures to discuss the future of the Diva Forever series. She then attends the Prince's Trust Awards, but is embarrassed when her dress splits while walking the red carpet. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, she shuts down her clothing boutique, and heads to a bathroom showroom. On the way, she learns that the sale of her new house has fell through, and breaks into tears in the car. Gemma watches Boris Johnson telling citizens of the UK to stay indoors, and decides that she will continue filming of the series from her brother's home.
2"Episode 2"3 May 2020 (2020-05-03)0.69
Gemma searches herself on YouTube, and is worried when no results appear, so she calls her manager. She then calls mother Joan, and gets upset at not being able to see her. She recites scenes from The Only Way Is Essex with nephew Hayden, and later partakes in Clap for our Carers with her family. On Easter day, she organises an egg hunt for her family.
3"Episode 3"10 May 2020 (2020-05-10)0.53
While fishing with her brother, Gemma reflects on being famous, and says that she wants to make a film. She then sees Tom Moore's fundraising campaign, and donates £1000. Gemma shows the audience her collection of merchandise she has collated throughout her career, and expresses an interest in having a museum dedicated to her in the future. Upon hearing the news that lockdown has been extended for three weeks, Gemma expresses her upset, and states that it is enough to send her "over the edge". The next day, she travels to brother Russell's pub, and the family have a private party. While there, she calls John Barrowman to ask him if he would join her on a national tour.

Ratings
Episode Date ITVBe weekly rank[10] Total UK viewers
Episode 1 26 April 20201777,815
Episode 2 3 May 20201692,709
Episode 3 10 May 20203533,961

Reception

During filming, Diva on Lockdown faced criticism from local residents due to crew members travelling to and from Collins' house.[2] Rebecca Carter of Entertainment Daily reported that "neighbours and locals have raised eyebrows about people traipsing to sit outside Gemma's house to film a reality show when people are dying from this crisis".[2] Representatives of ITV responded: "Safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in our shows is our priority. Careful new ways have been established to allow new programmes to be created to help keep viewers entertained at this difficult time, whilst following government guidelines. With the appropriate guidance, new measures have been put in place covering production practice for all crew and Gemma."[2]

Reviewing the programme, Sarah Carson of i newspaper wrote: "No other factual television is churned out as quickly, yet already this feels like a relic. It is jarring, familiar, revelatory and damning to watch – these stars display the same naivety we shared weeks ago. It’s often said that in future, we’ll look back on reality TV and despair at society. Who could have thought that Gemma Collins would narrate such a landmark moment – or that we’d be looking back quite so soon?", adding that the series "has captured the coronavirus apocalypse better than any documentary".[12]

References
  1. "Gemma Collins launches new reality show Diva on Lockdown". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  2. Carter, Rebecca. "Gemma Collins 'criticised as she continues filming for reality show amid coronavirus pandemic'". Entertainment Daily. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  3. "Gemma Collins: ITV wants more Diva Forever". FemaleFirst. 13 November 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  4. "Gemma Collins forced to shut up Essex boutique amid coronavirus pandemic". Metro. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  5. "Gemma Collins to continue filming for reality show despite coronavirus pandemic and it's called Diva on Lockdown". Metro. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  6. "Gemma Collins Sets Up Cameras In Her House For New Reality Show 'Diva On Lockdown'". Tyla. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  7. "Gemma Collins reveals what her lavish Essex barn conversion looks like inside - and it's so extra". Heart. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  8. "Gemma Collins to make TV return despite lockdown". Evening Express. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  9. "Gemma Collins is a Diva on Lockdown". ITV Press Centre. 11 April 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  10. "Four-screen dashboard". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  11. Darvill, Josh (18 April 2020). "Gemma Collins 'Diva on Lockdown' start date confirmed for series 2 of ITVBe show". TellyMix. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  12. {{Cite news|url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/gemma-colins-diva-on-lockdown-coronavirus-uk-itv-be-2657476?amp%7Ctitle=Forget the news, Gemma Collins: Diva on Lockdown has captured the coronavirus apocalypse better than any documentary|work=i|last=Carson|first=Sarah|date=1 May 2020|access-date=15 May 2020
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