Gemma Collins ‘takes a break’ from Instagram after posting James Argent’s cruel texts calling her a ‘hippo’

GEMMA Collins is taking a break from Instagram after posting James Argent's cruel messages that branded her a "hippo".

The TV star usually shares videos of her life dozens of times a week on the platform but hasn't put anything up since sharing - then deleting the messages - her ex sent her.

Taking to her Instagram Story yesterday, Gemma explained that she was taking a break from social media following her break-up.

The 39-year-old had revealed furious texts Arg sent her in the wake of their explosive split on social media.

The reality TV star blasted Gemma when she refused to pay for holiday flights - telling pals he'd spent his money on takeaways and surgery.

The on-off lovers fell out after the 32-year-old had his ears pinned back last month following a stint in rehab for cocaine addiction.

He kept the op a secret and went into hiding at his home in Essex while his ears healed.

But pals said when he asked for handouts it led to a series of explosive rows and Gemma, 39, finally dumped him after he asked for an open relationship.

Private messages between the pair were posted on Gemma's Instagram page, but they have since been deleted.

The ranting texts began with Gemma saying: "What man pays for another woman!!!"

Arg replied: "Insensitive," while Gemma continued: "And the woman that saved your life has to pay for herself!!!"

Her ex then hit back: "You are supposed to be treating me you hippo."

Revealing the moment Gemma called it quits, she wrote: "We're over."

Sharing earlier screengrabs of their heated conversation, Arg had sent her a plane emoji in reply to a picture of flight details.

Gemma told him: "I'll take a mate, I'm not booking it. You said you would be a gentleman!"

A furious Arg shouted back: "YOU FAT F**K. IVE JUST LOST ANOTHER 2000."

Gemma then shared a screenshot of cruel pig emojis she'd been sent, although it was unclear if these were also from Arg.

Their angry confrontation has been revealed following The Sun Online's exclusive story about Gemma dumping her on/off boyfriend after he told her he wanted an open relationship.

Sources close to the pair said Arg, 32, was inspired by claims US actor Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith had been intimate with other people during their marriage.

Earlier this year, Arg bravely revealed he is a cocaine addict — and suffered two near-fatal overdoses at home before finally seeking help from his best friend Mark Wright at Christmas.

But despite helping him get clean, Gemma was left devastated when the ex-Towie star spoke to his girlfriend after returning from Spain, telling her that he wants to move there.

Speaking to The Sun Online, a source explained: "Arg went to Spain and he told Gemma that he wants to go back there forever and be in an open relationship like Jada and Will.

"Gemma is completely shocked and has been left absolutely heartbroken, especially after sticking by him for so long."

Gemma posted on Instagram yesterday urging her followers to "find the strength to walk away" as she shared the "Top 10 Signs of Emotional Abuse In A Relationship".

She captioned the post: "To all who have suffered in lock down or are suffering in general 💗 please please find your strength to walk away 💗

"There is a better life for you filled with love and respect and always remember the problem isn’t within you it’s within them.

"Walk away it’s never too late. Something will happen one day and you will just say enough is enough. It’s in that moment the nightmare is over.

"This is when you find your strength and this is when you will learn self love".