Josie Gibson 'gutted and hurt' over This Morning snub as Cat and Ben land roles

11 March 2024 , 12:55

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Josie Gibson 'gutted and hurt' over This Morning snub as Cat and Ben land roles (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Josie Gibson is reportedly feeling 'gutted and hurt' after missing out on a full-time presenting role on This Morning.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star, 39, had reportedly hoped to become the new Holly Willoughby, but Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were announced as the show's new permanent hosts after Josie spent months presenting the show following Holly's exit.

After Phillip Schofield and Holly left the show last year, several guest presenters have taken their place, including I'm a Celeb star Josie, as well as Craig Doyle, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Rochelle Humes, and Rylan Clark.

Now, a TV insider has claimed that Josie was upset about not being chosen for the full-time role after impressing ITV bosses and quickly becoming a fan favourite with viewers at home.

Josie presented the show alongside Holly after Phil's departure (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Josie is said to have been left gutted (Josie Gibson Instagram)

The source also claimed that Alison Hammond was offered a full-time position instead of Josie, but she decided to 'turn it down' because she 'doesn't want the responsibility'.

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"Alison was given the This Morning job to do it full time; she was actually the one who didn't want it.", the source told OK! Magazine. 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."

While Alison wasn't too bothered about bagging the role, the same can't be said for Josie it seems. "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," the insider said.

Cat and Ben were announced as the hosts recently taking over from Phil and Holly, with Alison and Dermot continuing with their usual Friday hosting duties. As they made their debut today, fans rushed to social media to question why Cat and Ben's debut didn't see the show make another change to the titles, which had previously featured Holly and Phil.

Alison was reportedly offered the role

Sharing their thoughts, one fan wrote: "Not permanent enough to add them to the opening titles then? ITV still hesitant to commit. #ThisMorning," whilst a second added: "#ThisMorning..same old set, theme tune, graphics and segments. Even same opening titles - couldn’t even be bothered to add Ben and Cat in like the old previous hosts."

"This was ITVs chance to rejuvenate the program and move on from the past - and they missed it." A third shared: "#ThisMorning - Ben & Cat will be great but the sadness that there's no set [change] is strong - always my fave bits of a relaunch, new studio sets."

When they were announced as hosts, Ben and Cat were asked about how much they were looking forward to hosting the show. Ben revealed: "That is quite a question, there is so much! Not having to get up so early and to be able to have a lie in is quite high up there. But seriously it has to be the people. From the team to the guests to, of course, Cat - it’s all about the people. I’ve worked with many of the team on and off but to work with them full time is very exciting."

Cat then added: "As I’ve previously said, This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it’s on it’s like having your friends over, funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful - like all the greatest friendships."

The Mirror has reached out to Josie Gibson's representatives for comment on this story.

Indigo Stafford