Former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson could soon be facing some of her greatest fears as she's reported to have signed up to I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
I know, I know, summer has barely even started, and it's months before we usually see the grinning faces of Ant and Dec, absolutely filled with glee as they watch celebrities eat, drink and get covered in all sorts of disgusting things.
It takes time to plan all of the stomach-churning challenges, though, so ITV producers will be working hard behind the scenes to bring the upcoming series together, and that includes figuring out exactly who will be entering the jungle.
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After winning the 11th series of Big Brother in 2010, This Morning's Josie Gibson is apparently a hot commodity when it comes to reality TV this year - so much so that ITV and the BBC have been fighting over her.
A report by The Sun claims the two broadcasters were in a bidding war over the 38-year-old presenter, with the BBC reportedly having hoped to scoop Gibson for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
However, ITV reportedly managed to win her over with the help of a six-figure deal which is typically reserved for the biggest names.
A spokesperson for I’m A Celebrity said it doesn't comment on 'speculation on contestants', but an ITV insider told the publication: “Josie is hugely popular with This Morning viewers and producers were determined to get her. She is seen as the perfect person for the jungle as she’s already such a familiar face on ITV and will bring her fanbase with her."
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The insider went on to describe Gibson as 'incredibly down-to-earth', adding that she 'seems to strike a chord with people at home'.
They continued: "Plus they’re confident Josie will bring the laughs to I’m A Celebrity, as she already does on This Morning, and is guaranteed to get on with most of the jungle campmates.
“For all those reasons they were hellbent on getting her. And if she was lured by the glitter of Strictly they weren’t going to let her go without a fight."
Gibson's representatives are said to have engaged in talks with both BBC and ITV bosses over the last few months, with the choice between the two shows proving to be a 'real dilemma' for the presenter.
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“She knows both shows are hugely popular with the public and have the potential to boost anyone’s career who appears on them," the insider said.
A spokesperson for ITV told TYLA: "Any names suggested for IAC are just speculation"
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@josiegibson85 / ITVTopics: Im A Celebrity, This Morning, TV And Film, Ant and Dec