Emmerdale star Samantha Giles has issued an apology over recent comments she made about The Only Way is Essex star Gemma Collins.
During an appearance at the MEN Pride of Manchester Awards earlier this week, the Bernice Blackstock actress said during an interview that she would "punch [Gemma] if I ever came across her" as she took aim at reality stars.
"All these reality stars, I haven't got a clue who they are!" she told the Daily Star.
"That Gemma Collins, I think I'd punch her if I ever came across her. I don't know – how can someone so talentless and revolting have made so much money?"
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She added: "I wouldn't mind if she'd give it away and did something good with it, but all she seems to do is put more shit on her face and do her nails."
Gemma subsequently replied to the comments in her Instagram Stories, reposting the interview with the words (via The Sun): "#BeKind. I don't find someone wanting to punch me a joke."
She added, apparently mis referencing Samantha's soap: "Really upsetting. To think I loved her in Corrie," continuing: "Nothing wrong with reality stars. We were all given an opportunity and we made the best out of it."
Samantha has now issued an apology to Gemma, tweeting: "Hi everyone. I'm aware that comments I made on a press red carpet have been taken out of the context I meant them, so I'd like to apologise to @missgemcollins for my misjudged jokes which I honestly didn't mean. I hope this apology is acceptable. Hands held up from me x".
Collins replied to the apology saying she was "sending [Samantha] love" despite the comments making her feel "pretty low".
"Condoning violence against another woman and joking about it in a public arena is shocking, very upsetting and I'm walking around today with your words swirling around in my head (talentless and revolting) whilst having to work and film today so I feel pretty low. I am sending you love though because people like you need it the most," she shared on Twitter.
Digital Spy has reached out to Samantha and Gemma's representatives for further comment.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
