Reality TV legend lands £500k deal to become face of Paddy Power during Royal Ascot as she films top-secret ad
GEMMA Collins has landed £500,000 to become the face of Paddy Power ahead of Royal Ascot.
The former Towie star, 44 — 'The GC' to fans — filmed a top-secret advert for the betting firm in London last week.
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She is seen poking fun at the fashion side of the annual racing event, which takes place this month.
It comes after she was a popular guest in Paddy Power's box at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
An insider said: 'Gemma's show-stopping appearance at Cheltenham caused a stir and Paddy Power bosses realised the value of her appeal.
'She was great fun and spoke to everyone so they were quick to ink an extremely lucrative deal that included an ad ahead of Royal Ascot, poking fun at fashion.
" Ladies' Day is a huge event during the five-day festivities and plenty of women get involved with the betting side of things too.
"The ad is in keeping with Paddy Power's tongue-in-cheek theme.'
The Irish bookmaker has previously signed up several celebs for their ads, including former England striker Peter Crouch and his wife Abbey Clancy, ex-EastEnders star Shaun Williamson and Rhodri Giggs, brother of Manchester United love rat Ryan.
Gemma said of her stint at Cheltenham: 'I've never been before and Paddy Power invited me so I couldn't turn him down.
"Obviously I love the Irish and the Irish love me.
"I've lost an absolute fortune. None of the horses I bet on won but it's been amazing.'
Opening up about her intuitive betting technique, she added: 'If I hear a name or see a name and get a vibe about it, then I'll take a punt and put a bet on.
"I think gambling at the races can be so much fun. Safe gambling, obviously — gambling awareness.'
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