Josie Gibson’s presence sparks optimism for the potential realization of becoming a host on This Morning

The star from ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ exudes the same level of enthusiasm as a winner from an ITV daytime competition, securing a campervan and £100,000 for her remarkable career that’s entering a new phase, 13 years after triumphing in Big Brother.

Her enduring zeal for the showbiz world sets her apart from some celebrities who might have waned in their enthusiasm over time. Having crossed paths with Josie at various points in her career, I can confirm that she continues to radiate the same vibrant energy, indicating she’s here to stay. However, she’s now adept at handling the microphone pack independently, a skill she humorously acknowledged.

“Hope you don’t mind that I took the lead,” she quipped to our video team, settling in before recounting her recent battle with tonsillitis that led to a hospital visit, her eventful day at This Morning, and her insistence on my having a twin (I don’t)—all before we hit the record button.

Fresh from her jungle adventure, Josie eagerly shares her experience on the popular reality show. “What an incredible adventure,” she exclaimed to Metro.co.uk.

Her most cherished aspect of the month-long stint, culminating in a fourth-place finish, was the camaraderie among her campmates, particularly her fondness for Sam Thompson.

“I consistently shared with Sam my belief that he’d emerge as the victor,” she disclosed.

“He exudes a delightful energy and kept us entertained throughout the day. When I inquired about his low moments, he simply had none. He’s akin to an irresistible puppy, charming everyone around him.”

Josie might have seemed to channel Psychic Sally by accurately predicting his triumph, but Sam wasn’t convinced: “He never allowed himself to entertain the idea of winning. That’s not his style.”

The couple might soon find themselves in each other’s company more often if the latest speculations hold weight. Sam, aged 31, is being touted as a potential future presenter on This Morning.

“I’ve caught wind of the talk suggesting he might take on something with This Morning, and I’m thinking, ‘Can we please hold onto him?'”

“I’d be thrilled for him to join This Morning and become part of our team. He’d bring such a delightful energy.”

She mentioned that during his recent appearance, “everyone simply adored him.”

“I found myself falling for him all over again,” she remarked.

“I’m optimistic about these rumours, but I’m not privy to any details.”

Josie holds a strong belief in Sam’s potential for significant achievements, regardless of the circumstances.

“When Sam expressed a desire to reach the level of Ant [McPartlin] and Dec [Donnelly] while in the jungle, I reassured him, saying, ‘I truly believe you can achieve that.’ There’s something truly special about him,” she affirmed.

However, Josie emphasises that the essence of This Morning, amid significant changes in 2023 due to Phillip Scofield and Holly Willoughby’s departures, transcends the hosts.

“On This Morning, it’s not my moment to shine. I serve as a host, introducing our audience to the plethora of fascinating individuals gracing our show. Engaging with these diverse and captivating personalities, I strive to ensure they have the spotlight they deserve,” she explained.

Therefore, Josie underscores the crucial need for her unwavering focus during the two-and-a-half-hour show, as any lapse can potentially detract from the overall experience.

When I finish, I feel completely drained because I need to focus throughout. It’s impossible to switch off during live TV.

Certain episodes prove more demanding, and when questioned about the most challenging interviewee, Josie hesitated before glancing at her agent and remarking, ‘I’ll mention it.’

Facing us again, she continued, ‘I admire him, but it was an incredibly tough interview. I believe he won’t take offence. Michael Barrymore.

In August, the 71-year-old comedian appeared on the show and expressed dissatisfaction with Josie and co-host Craig Doyle. He remarked that their conversation lacked the natural flow he preferred and criticised their reliance on an autocue.

He mentioned not using autocues during his era. Granted, during his time in show business, autocues might not have been in use. While he was known for his improvisation, managing two and a half hours of live television without an autocue would have been improbable.

She diplomatically concluded, ‘I’ve always held a fondness for Michael Barrymore. Despite my admiration for him, among all the guests we’ve hosted, I must admit he posed the most challenge.’

Josie faced considerable challenge, yet garnered praise from numerous viewers for her adept handling of the awkward interview. These skills are a testament to her growth since her tenure began on This Morning.

Her journey commenced in 2018 as a competition announcer, culminating in her inaugural hosting of the entire show in 2021. Josie perceives her ascension to the top of her profession as an achievement that would have been implausible not long ago, largely due to a distinguishing aspect of her identity.

“In years past, being on television wouldn’t have been an option for someone like me. Individuals with my accent weren’t represented.”

Josie was resolute; she had no intention of altering herself. Instead, she believed it was the world that needed to evolve.

‘I take immense pride in my accent. The presence of a Bristolian accent on mainstream television is a remarkable achievement. Showcasing diverse regional accents allows us to connect with a wide array of individuals across the country. It holds significant importance, and I’m grateful for the shifting times.’

“I’m actually quite pleased with this accent. Even though it might grate on some people’s nerves, I doubt anyone would easily remember me if I spoke without it.

The only time she alters her accent is when conversing with American interviewees who struggle to comprehend her.

‘I’ll switch to my phone voice then,’ she informed us, accompanied by a smile.

Rumours suggest that Josie might soon grace another TV sensation—Dancing On Ice. She’s reportedly the favourite to step in for Holly, 42, on the show if Holly decides not to return.

With more responsibilities at ITV and increased exposure, there come fatter pay cheques. However, Josie, being modest, claims she’s not one to splurge.

‘I’m not really into designer items. But I’ll admit, I do indulge in skincare. I treat myself to products from Space NK. They’re quite luxurious.’

Apart from spending on £16 hand soaps, Josie also plans a significant purchase, keeping her son Reggie, five, at the forefront of her mind.”

“I must find a new house nearer to Reggie’s school. I’ve been open about using my earnings from ‘I’m A Celebrity’ for that purpose. That’s my plan for it.”

“Before we bid farewell to Josie, we can’t help but inquire about the clip from Big Brother that frequently resurfaces on our social media feeds.”

“Whenever I’m feeling down, I often reflect on the incident involving the woman attacked by a chimpanzee,” she shared with her housemates in the recently surfaced video.

“I regret making that remark as one sometimes doesn’t grasp the impact of their words on TV, particularly in the realm of reality television. It’s easy to forget the constant presence of cameras. When Channel 5 aired the documentary about the woman again, I was overwhelmed with guilt. It’s a terrible situation. Therefore, I retract that statement and offer my sincere apologies.”

For clarity, Josie now redirects her thoughts to ‘Tony Bellew interfering with our chicken fried rice’ during moments of melancholy.