GOLDEN GIRL - THE DARLING OF DAYTIME TV

JUST HOW DID JOSIE GIBSON GO FROM BEING THE BUBBLY BIG BROTHER WINNER FROM BRISTOL TO THE SAVIOUR OF THIS MORNING?

- ALISON GRAVES

It was the moment more than one million viewers had been waiting for as queen of daytime TV Holly Willoughby returned to our screens. She hadn’t been seen on the This Morning set since the sudden departure of her co-star and one-time best friend Phillip Schofield in May.

But as Holly anxiously addressed the nation last Monday, all eyes were drawn to the supportive woman standing by her side. Enter Josie Gibson, the safe pair of hands brought in to steady the ship.

From her reality TV beginnings on Big Brother to her selection as Holly’s wing-woman for the all-important first episode back after the infamous Schofield scandal, Jodie’s star has been steadily growing.

And insiders believe she could be the secret ingredient to saving the ITV show from disaster. After all, she is down-to-earth, bubbly, fun-loving, supportive, loyal and an inspiration to others.

Following her two-day stint on the show last week, Josie told her 428k followers on Instagram, “Thank you to this legend and her infectious energy!!! @hollywilloughby you are such a fabulous broadcaster…loved our last two days together.”

But it was Josie the fans wanted to thank. “You definitely deserve a full-time place as a host, your the sunshine on TV,” said one. “You are such a lovely, genuine, funny presenter. Love how you interview, well researched with genuine interest in the person,” said another.