Josie Gibson has finally addressed the rumours about her alleged romance with TV presenter Stephen Mulhern after they were seen holding hands earlier this month. On Saturday, April 13, the pair were spotted walking from the studio to the set of the final episode of Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
Stephen, 47, and Josie, 39, appeared quite cosy, holding hands and looking relaxed. The Bristolian star was seen in a camouflage jacket and a mint green T-shirt, her blonde hair styled in a quiff, whilst Stephen wore a navy jacket over a white top, paired with jeans.
Despite the widespread speculation that Stephen and Josie are secretly an item, Josie has now clarified the situation. In a conversation with OK! Magazine, she dismissed the dating rumours, stating that she and Stephen are simply "best friends".
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Josie said: "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."
The This Morning star, who rose to fame after winning the 11th series of Channel 4's Big Brother in 2010, is back on the singles market following her split from ex-partner Terry. Josie and the property developer started their romance in 2017, although they had known each other for years. They welcomed Reggie in September of the next year but parted ways just five months later.
Since then, there has been speculation that Josie's affections might be tied to ITV cameraman Sam Morter after she shared a photo of them together in Paris last year. However, Josie quickly dispelled those whispers, affirming their platonic friendship and reiterating her single status.
To set the record straight, she later added on Instagram: "I am not in a relationship, neither am I in love with cameraman Sam. I am not with Sam Morter.. I love Sam Morter, he is my work colleague, I'm like his older sister. I'm like his auntie. That's as far as it goes."
On the flip side, Stephen has been rather tight-lipped about his romantic life, though he was previously linked to EastEnders actress Emma Barton, better known as Honey Mitchell, back in 2008. The two grew close while working together on the panto production of Snow White in Birmingham, but they ended their relationship in 2011, reports The Mirror.
In a candid chat with Celebs Now seven years later, Stephen admitted he hadn't been on a date "in four years", lamenting, "That makes me sound really sad! I need a life. I need to stop working so much."
