Josie Gibson has opened up about how she felt when Cat Deeley nabbed the presenting job on This Morning that she had her hopes pinned on. Rumours suggested that Bristolian Josie was 'gutted and hurt' when she lost out on the coveted full-time role earlier this year. The 39-year-old Celebrity Big Brother winner allegedly saw herself stepping into Holly Willoughby's shoes, but it was announced that Ben Shephard and Cat would be the permanent hosts even after Josie had spent numerous months filling in after Holly left.
Several guest presenters took to the screen after Phillip Schofield and Holly departed the show last year - among them were I'm a Celeb's star, Craig Doyle, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Rochelle Humes and Rylan Clark. An insider relayed that Josie felt disappointed about not being chosen for the presenter post despite making a strong impression on ITV bosses and being well-liked by viewers.
In a chat with OK! Magazine, she shared her thoughts about hopes of becoming the lead presenter, revealing: "The thing is, I actually feel like I am because I'm on This Morning, I've got my dream gig and I do a bit of everything. I do a bit in the studio, I can go on the road, do a competition. I'm an all-rounder I think. I love being able to do everything so, between us, I think I've got the best gig.", reports the Mirror.
When questioned about her romantic connection with ITV colleague Stephen Mulhern, who was spotted holding hands with her, the star responded: "Stephen? Oh, he's so lovely. We are really good friends, I really adore him, but there's no romance in the air. But he's so nice. Every bloke that I come in contact with, the press seems to think that I'm having it off with them."
"People must think I'm a right goer. I'm not like that. To be with somebody or to even kiss somebody, I've really got to love them. I've really got to really be into them. I can't give my energy over when I'm not completely into it. You know when you get that magic connection? For me it only comes around like once every seven years or eight years. I love the love because those are very, very special moments when you find them.."
Alison Hammond, who reportedly turned down the full-time position and 'doesn't want the responsibility,' was allegedly offered a full-time job instead of Cat Deeley. Instead, Cat was appointed full-time, with a source stating: "Alison was given the This Morning job to do it full time; she was actually the one who didn't want it."
"Alison loves her time on the show but she doesn't want the responsibility of being the main anchor. Alison likes to have multiple things going on and is already in huge demand elsewhere - with Love of Dogs and Bake Off - that takes up a lot of her time. Alison isn't worried about being overshadowed; she's happy with being a part of the show for one day."
In contrast, Josie Gibson seems to be quite disappointed. "The person who is really gutted that she wasn't given the role is Josie Gibson - her nose is out of joint. She was touted as the new Holly but wasn't the case. She's hurt over the decision," revealed an insider.
