Josie Gibson was left in tears on Wednesday over an emotional phone-in on This Morning.
Josie was standing in for regular host Holly Willoughby at the time, who had called in sick for the second day in a row after falling ill with a stomach bug.
During the Dear Deidre segment of the programme, one caller, who introduced herself as Ellen, had Josie in tears as she described her dread over the upcoming Christmas season after a tragic stillbirth earlier this year.
Phillip Schofield offered her advice on how to cope with the festive season, as he said: “There’s nothing wrong with writing it off for one year. Let’s just leave it this year and pick it up next year.”
Deidre, meanwhile, explained: “It’s like, ‘I’m grieving so much and how can I get through this grieving?’ And they always say that with grief, there is no way past it – you’ve got to go through it.”
(Image: ITV)
She was also choked up as she promised to talk to Ellen further off-air to help her through such a difficult time.
Phil told her: “We’re sending you a big hug.”
Through her tears, Josie echoed: “We are. Christmas is a hard time for a lot of people.”
Deidre went on to tell Helen about stillbirth charity SANDS – the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society – as she explained: “You will find real understanding there for what you’ve been through.
(Image: ITV)
“There are so many people who go through that, you’re not alone. We’re with you and they’ll be with you too.”
Josie had to wipe away her tears with a tissue she had on hand, as she told the caller: “I’m sending you so much love, Ellen, sending you so much love. It’s really hard.”
Fans at home were similarly emotional over both Ellen’s story and Josie’s reaction, as one tweeted: “Aww Josie. So much compassion towards Ellen.”
“Poor Josie trying to keep it together. Bless her,” someone else said.
(Image: ITV)
As a third fan posted: “Love the fact that Josie wears her heart on her sleeve and not afraid to show her emotions. I really like her as a presenter!”
“God bless Josie for crying with Ellen during the phone in, what a lovely woman #ThisMorning,” another social media user echoed.
It comes as co-presenter Phil explained Holly’s mystery absence from the programme, telling viewers: “I was texting Holly all day yesterday afternoon and apparently it’s a tummy bug that is going round everywhere, everyone’s got it.
“And it’s sort of a two day thing, so she’s lost her appetite, so it’s pointless her coming in because we’ve got such lovely food in today!”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
