DOUBLE TROUBLE! - ‘LET'S HOPE THIS DOESN'T RUIN OUR FRIENDSHIP!'

JOSIE GIBSON AND ALISON HAMMOND ON THEIR NEW DREAM GIG AND HOW THEY SUPPORTED EACH OTHER THROUGH LOCKDOWN

- MICHELLE GARNETT

With their infectious sense of fun, it’s no surprise that Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson spend most of their time together laughing. They both found fame on Big Brother, and are now so close they often speak on the phone every day. Josie, 35, even credits Alison, 45, for helping her survive lockdown!

However, their friendship is set to be put to the test in a new four-part series on This Morning called Alison And Josie’s Staycation Showdown, which will see the pair competing to find the quirkiest places to stay in the UK.

“This is all about trying to get one up on Josie,” says Alison, who teamed up with Rochelle Humes in August as the first black co-hosts on the ITV show.

Here, Alison, who has a teen son called Aiden, 15, and Josie, who’s mum to two-year old son Reggie, talk about their new venture and why they think they’re better than Ant and Dec...

So you two are really good friends?

Alison: Josie and I are really close. We spoke to each other every day during lockdown.

Josie: Alison actually got me through lockdown. She was there for me on the phone every night, and we decided to get very spiritual together. I love her. Being around Alison is like having a permanent hug.

Are you looking forward to getting some time away?