POPULAR This Morning host Josie Gibson is at the centre of a bidding war between Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity.
The former Big Brother star is in protracted talks to sign up for either the series of BBC One’s ballroom and Latin hit or the jungle reality contest later this year.
This Morning host Josie Gibson is in talks to sign up to Strictly Come Dancing
But I’m A Celeb is also hoping Josie will sign up to the series
It reflects the 38-year-old’s higher profile on This Morning and her efforts to lose 3st for a more slimline look.
Josie has appeared regularly as a co-host and joined Holly Willoughby on the sofa after the departure of Phillip Schofield.
A source said: “Right now, she’s one of the fastest rising stars of morning telly and she has proven incredibly popular with This Morning viewers.
“Obviously, she already knows a lot of the executives at ITV and it makes sense for the channel to recruit in-house for their biggest, most-watched reality show of the year.
“But BBC bosses are desperate for her to appear on Strictly as she’s exactly the kind of warm, engaging person they love — one who will always be a hit with viewers.
“Josie’s made no secret of her weight loss struggles and it would be an inspiration to millions to see her on a potential new fitness journey.”
The source added: “In terms of scheduling, it is easier for her to appear on I’m A Celeb . . . and she’d probably be a big hit with other celebrities in the jungle Down Under.
“But in terms of profile Strictly probably edges it and Josie would love to a rumba.”
Bristol-born mum-of-one Josie won the 11th series of Big Brother in 2010, achieving the highest percentage of any public vote.
She joined This Morning as a competition announcer in 2019 and was given her first presenting trial two years later.
She has spoken candidly about her struggles with weight and in 2013 shed a third with a diet and fitness regime.
In 2016, she had surgery to remove 6lb of excess skin left from slimming down.
She said she was inspired to get fit after struggling to keep up with her son Reggie, four.
After the third Covid lockdown she joined WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and, at one stage, had gone from a size 20 to a size 8, losing 6st.
Josie has joined Holly Willoughby on the sofa after Phillip Schofield’s departureCredit: Rex
