Josie Gibson has once again been a hit with This Morning viewers as she stepped in to the main host slot alongside Phillip Schofield. But her stint covering for Holly Willoughby on the ITV daytime show after she tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend has come to an end, she revealed on Wednesday's programme.
Josie has spent the last three days filling in for Holly after she was forced to pull out of the Dancing On Ice semi-finals hours before they went on air after receiving a positive Covid test. It's not the first time the former Big Brother winner has stepped into the main presenter role as she made her debut filling in for Holly late last year when she fell ill with a stomach bug.
At that time, Josie, 37, was parachuted in at the last minute to host alongside Phillip, 59, and later returned alongside Vernon Kay before Christmas and again earlier this year with Holly when Phillip was similarly struck down by Covid. But right at the end of Wednesday's show, after enjoying a fish burger dish courtesy of The Body Coach himself Joe Wicks, Josie explained that she wouldn't be joining Phillip on Thursday's show but would instead be at the Cheltenham Festival.
She said, turning to her co-host: "I'm so lucky because I'm off to Cheltenham races and my good pal Alison [Hammond] will be here to keep you company, Phil." Phillip replied: "Lovely, can't wait for that," before adding to Josie: "Thank you for this week."
And fans were still full of praise for Josie, who has actually been a regular face on the show since 2012.
@HowardGriffiths tweeted: "@Josiestweet is doing an incredible job standing in for @hollywills alongside @Schofe on @thismorning. Jodie’s warmth, engagement & empathy across features is exceptional. Get well soon @hollywills, have no fear,Josie is respectfully holding the fort brilliantly. #ThisMorning."
"I’m so obsessed with @Josiestweet on @thismorning she’s such a breath of fresh air, she really takes her time with her lines and shows such an interest with the guests! We definitely need more of @Josiestweet," @amidowns3 said.
@geordiegirl83 commented: "@Josiestweet you've smashed these 3 days presenting out the park. Fab job as ever. Love it when you're on the show. Enjoy Cheltenham."
"@Josiestweet Absolutely brightens our day listening and watching Josie. Queen of Joy. Put Josie and Alison together = Mega entertainment," @dotthetryer added.
However, others have been questioning the pair's on-screen 'chemistry'.
"There is absolutely no chemistry between Phil and Josie and for some reason she looks uncomfortable #ThisMorning," @paulpresenteruk said.
@Cameronsk1 echoed: "There’s no connection between Philip and Josie; I’d say Philip and Ruth have more chemistry #ThisMorning."
How have you enjoyed Josie as the host of This Morning this week? Let us know in the comments below.
