Bev Turner lets rip on education department over viral Gemma Collins collaboration: 'Should be ashamed as Brits!'

Bev Turner has launched a furious attack on Gemma Collins and the Department for Education after the reality TV star appeared in a social media campaign alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

The unlikely collaboration sparked backlash online after the Department for Education shared a teaser clip showing Ms Collins striding through the Westminster offices, demanding: “Right. What are we doing to help the children?”

Ms Phillipson then appears at her office door and replies: “Come in. Let’s have a chat.”

The video, captioned “Gemma Collins is in the building, and she’s got questions. Coming soon,” was later shared by former Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.

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Mr Streeting's caption read: “When the GC met BP," alongside a fire emoji.

Officials said the reality star was invited because she left school with few qualifications and could discuss how children in similar situations could avoid being left behind.

Speaking during GB News’ Late Show Live from Washington DC, Bev criticised the Government’s decision to involve Ms Collins in discussions around education.

Introducing the clip, the GB News presenter said: “Now I've got to show you a clip which has been doing the rounds on social media today, and it involves Gemma Collins...

“She’s from reality TV. She was on The Only Way is Essex, or whatever."

Bev continued: "It's one of those ridiculous TV shows which basically celebrate being intellectually challenged and not a person who appears to be in control of anything in their lives.

“And so this is the woman whom the Education Department...who the government...who Bridget Phillipson, have decided to get involved with messaging around our education system.”

After watching the clip, Bev continued: “'Come in. Let’s have a chat.' Why? Why do we care what Gemma Collins says to the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson?

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Gemma Collins is in the building and she's got questions.

Coming soon📷@bphillipsonMP pic.twitter.com/iDmh021UVN

— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) May 19, 2026

“If you saw, let's say Britain's strictest head, walking into that room to have a conversation with Bridget Philipson, I would feel reassured as a parent, we all should, that she's listening to people who know about education and know how to get the best out of our children.

"To inspire them to be the very best version of themselves, healthy, clever, disciplined, driven.”

Bev added: “I want to see Bridget Phillipson talking to people like that. I don't want to see Bridget Philipson asking the opinion of Gemma Collins.

“She couldn't even stand one day in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Do you remember that? She went in for one day, and it was too tough for her.”

The presenter went on to criticise the wider messaging behind the campaign, arguing that education policy should focus on helping students achieve the highest standards possible.

“Gemma Collins knows nothing about what children need,” Bev said.

“Now, the Department of Education says that she left school with minimum qualifications.. That's reassuring. That's who we want to go in to talk about GCSEs.”

She continued: “The whole point of education is not that you prepare children to leave school without qualifications.

“You work out how to make sure that children leave school with the very best qualifications possible for that individual child."

The People's Channel presenter also questioned whether taxpayer money had funded the campaign, though political website Guido Fawkes later reported that Ms Collins had not been paid for the appearance.

Concluding her rant, Bev said: "We should all be ashamed as Brits.”

Ms Collins responded to the backlash on Instagram, saying: "I see all your comments. I’m going to change everything and help everyone. Please do not worry."

GB News has contacted the Department for Education for comment.

The viral clip received a mixed reaction on social media, with many users poking fun at the unexpected choice of education advocate.

“What’s next? Joey Essex visits the Ministry of Defence?” one person joked on X.

Another asked: “What in the clown show did I just watch?”

“Listen, I like the GC, but education isn’t the first word that springs to mind when she comes up in conversation,” a third user wrote.

Others reacted with anger over the Department for Education campaign.

Another wrote: “The good and decent officials who were made to tweet this nonsense deserve better than gimmicky c**p from a terrible leadership.

"I’m sorry to see the department brought so low.”

A third added: “What in God's name is this? Drivel. Absolute drivel.”

However, some social media users jumped to Ms Collins’ defence and praised the collaboration.

“This is exactly what they set out to do! Give them exposure,” one supporter said.

Another wrote: “Gemma. You truly are an inspiration.”

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter