Josie Gibson has revealed insights into her stint on This Morning, addressing the topic of not stepping into the shoes of former co-host Holly Willoughby post her exit.
The 39-year-old presenter initially joined the ITV program in 2019 as a segment host, but has transitioned into a relief presenter role since then.
With Holly’s departure announcement last year, aged 43, speculations arose about Josie potentially taking over as one of the primary presenters.
Later on, Cat Deeley, aged 47, and Ben Shephard, aged 49, were revealed as the successors to Holly and her former co-host Phillip Schofield, now 62, who both departed from the show last year. However, Josie continues in her role as a stand-in presenter.
Recently, Big Brother winner Josie shared her thoughts on This Morning in an interview with the Daily Mail.
She indicated that she might not have been considered for one of the vacancies left by Holly and Phil, citing her residence outside London with her five-year-old son Reggie, whom she co-parents with an ex-partner.
She told the outlet:
“If I lived in London I would have loved the job. But I don’t live in London, I live [in Bath], and this is where I am, and this where my family is this, where my life is.”
Josie went on to suggest during the recent interview that she will “never get this time back” as a parent to her son.
It was also disclosed that Josie had harbored a lifelong aspiration to become a presenter, expressing her appreciation to the producers for recognizing her potential.
Reflecting on the enduring success of the show, she remarked in the interview,
“This Morning have been so good to me.”
The presenter emphasized the supportive environment of the team, highlighting their understanding of her parental commitments and the balancing act she faces.
Cat and Ben were introduced as the newest faces of the ITV program in February, just before their on-air debut.
They now helm This Morning from Monday to Thursday each week, while Fridays are hosted by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
Cat – who’s worked on shows like So You Think You Can Dance – said ahead of their debut:
“I can’t wait to be a part of the team, from the crew and producers, to the brilliant presenters.”
She added:
“I’ve been hosting solo for the past few years and I’ve really missed that sense of camaraderie, it will be great to be a part of such an incredible team.”
Whilst Ben – who previously hosted Good Morning Britain – said:
“This Morning is my dream combination of a lie in, eating cheesecakes and working with a fantastic team! I’m really excited, I’ve loved the show for years and it feels a real privilege to be there Monday to Thursday.”