Gemma Collins said she "loves the royals" and described King Charles as an "amazing man, with an incredible sense of humour" - before she went on to reveal an unlikely royal muse.

And while the former Only Way Is Essex star, 43, dubbed Princess Kate, who has been recovering from cancer treatment, her "favourite royal" - neither the Princess of Wales nor Meghan Markle was in the running.

The reality favourite admitted she has always admired Princess Margaret - the late Queen Elizabeth II's younger sister.

"I love Princess Margaret," Gemma exclusively told Express.co.uk. "If I was going to be a royal, apart from the Queen, I would be Princess Margaret."

The Celebrity Big Brother contestant added: "She liked to live her life on holiday and smoke her cigarettes. That would be me, honey."

The Countess of Snowden was arguably one of the most popular royals in modern history and was known for her "party-girl" lifestyle and rebellious nature.

The younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret drew attention for a personal life marked by controversial relationships.

In the royal's latter years, she was plagued with health problems following years of heavy smoking. Princess Margaret underwent an operation to remove part of her left lung in early 1985. In 1993, she contracted pneumonia.

After her third stroke, the princess died on February 9, 2002, in London.

Meanwhile, the reality star surprised bingo goers with a special appearance, demonstrating her number skills to the crowd as part of celebrations for National Bingo Week (24th – 30th June) - with National Bingo Day on June 27.

Local club regulars were surprised to see The GC take to the mic and call out the numbers to reward winners on the big night.