British reality star rushed to hospital in Italy after terrifying encounter

British TV star Gemma Collins has been rushed to hospital after being stung by a wasp during a holiday in Italy.

Collins, 43, who became famous on The Only Way Is Essex, has shared her terrifying experience on Instagram with her 2.2 million followers.

In a video we see a panicked Collins seated at a restaurant in Venice, gesturing urgently to emergency workers who have arrived to treat her.

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She explains in the video that her tongue had started swelling, which is the beginning of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. It can be life threatening if not treated quickly.

"I'm sitting here drinking my coffee. As I drink it I feel a sharp sting on my tongue, and it could only happen to me," she later explains.

"And now I'm about to die because my tongue is swelling up so much. But we've got an ambulance coming.

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"I'm gonna have the injection, and I'm not dying today."

Collins is seen holding ice to her swelling tongue when emergency workers arrive.

A drip is inserted in her arm before she is transported to hospital via boat.

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The ambulance arrived on the water and Gemma was examined and hitched up to a drip before being taken on the boat to hospital.

"Never a DULL MOMENT I NEARLY DIED …..My tongue swelled so quick thank god @rami_hawash_ acted so quick," she captioned the video.

"THANK GOD and the hotel was amazing and a HUGE THANK YOU TO THE HOSPITAL IN VENICE AND ALL INVOLVED.

"AND OF COURSE I always say there is a reason for everything and this was my answer.

"Wasp is the powerful female warrior and shamanic healer, prompting us to take a good look at our lives and ask if we are fighting the good fight. If you are stung by Wasp, it's her way of saying, 'Wake up! Do your spiritual work!"

Collins was with partner Rami Hawash at the time. He later commented, "It was really shocking to see love you, get practicing your spiritual work."

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According to Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, anaphylaxis from stinging insect allergy results in an average of three deaths per year in Australia.

Collins and Hawash were were engaged in February. The couple are in Italy to plan their nuptials.

This is the third time the couple has become engaged during their tumultuous relationship.

Collins reportedly met the businessman in 2011 at a pub in Essex, in the UK.

In 2013, they got engaged for the first time, but called it off shortly after.

Collins dated TOWIE star James Argent before she got back together with Rami in 2020. They announced their second engagement in 2021, but again, called off the wedding.

At the end of last year, Collins shared a tribute to Rami on their three-year anniversary.

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