Josie Gibson is said to be “gutted and hurt” after being overlooked for a full-time presenting role on This Morning.
The 39-year old former Big Brother winner had hoped to step into Holly Willoughby’s shoes, but instead, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were announced as the new permanent hosts of the ITV show last month. Their appointments ended months of speculation as to who would replace Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on a full-time basis.
Phillip departed ITV in May in the wake of admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a runner on the show, whilst Holly quit in October after a plot to kidnap and murder her was foiled by police. Josie had high hopes of landing the role after filling in on numerous occasions after Holly’s departure.
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As well as Josie, ITV bosses trialed the services of a whole host of candidates before making their final decision – with Craig Doyle, Alison Hammond, Rochelle Humes, and Rylan Clark just some of the big names to front the show in the last four months.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
A TV insider has now revealed that Josie was disappointed not to be chosen for the full-time role, especially after she impressed ITV bosses and quickly became popular with viewers. The source also claimed that Alison was offered a full-time position instead of Josie, but she decided to “turn it down” because she “doesn’t want the responsibility”.
“Alison was offered the full-time gig on This Morning, but she didn’t want it,” a source told OK! “She loves being on the show, but doesn’t want the pressure of being the main host. She’s busy with other projects like Love of Dogs and Bake Off, and isn’t worried about being overshadowed. She’s happy just hosting one day a week.”
(Image: ITV)
Josie, however, seems to be disappointed that she wasn’t chosen for the role. “Josie is really upset that she wasn’t given the job. She was tipped as the new Holly, but that didn’t happen. She’s hurt by the decision,” the insider added.
As Cat and Ben made their debut appearance together on Monday, fans of the show were left frustrated at the “same old” format, questioning why its opening titles, which previously featured Holly and Phil, still haven’t been updated.
(Image: ITV)
One fan commented: “Not permanent enough to add them to the opening titles then? ITV still hesitant to commit. #ThisMorning,” while another 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.”
A third wrote: “This was ITVs chance to rejuvenate the program and move on from the past – and they missed it.” And a fourth added: “#ThisMorning – Ben and 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.” Daily Star has invited a representative for Josie to comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
