Gemma Collins, 45, appears in a Department for Education social media video after meeting Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to discuss education reforms. Multiple outlets report that the clip is shared across the department’s social channels and promotes post-16 education. The BBC notes that the campaign draws criticism, with some backlash over the use of Collins as a public face for education messaging. In response to the backlash, the education secretary defends the videos, arguing they are intended to encourage engagement with post-16 options. Other reports describe the meeting and the collaboration as Collins outlining how she would motivate students if she held the education secretary role, as part of the promotional content. Overall, the coverage focuses on the department’s decision to use a mainstream celebrity in educational outreach, the stated purpose of promoting further education after age 16, and the ensuing public reaction and ministerial defence.