Josie Gibson has opened up about the realities of solo parenting, her recent liposuction surgery, and her upcoming ITV renovation series. The 41-year-old former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star and This Morning presenter says she would love to foster children one day, inspired by Debbie Bright from The Only Way Is Essex.
Parenting Challenges and Support Network
Gibson, who has a seven-year-old son named Reggie, describes solo parenting as "the hardest thing in the world." She credits her support network, including her ex-partner Terry James and childminders, for helping her manage. "I've got a good family, so I'm very lucky," she says. Gibson also receives parenting advice from co-host Alison Hammond, a fellow solo parent.
Data commissioned by TUI's Childhood Independence Index reveals that over 40% of children feel independent when trusted by their parents, while 36% associate independence with confidence. Gibson, an ambassador for TUI's Small Adventures, says travel helps children grow and build confidence. She recalls Reggie learning to swim on their first holiday to Greece.
Liposuction for Lipoedema and Recovery
Earlier this year, Gibson underwent liposuction on her arms to treat lipoedema, following similar surgery on her calves last September. "Experts say it's where your body holds on to fat," she explains. "If I had been out working all day, my legs would be like a balloon." The surgery healed well, and she returned to work after two weeks. She rented a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for £500 a month to aid recovery.
New ITV Renovation Show
Gibson is filming a seven-part ITV series called Josie Gibson's Big Country Build, documenting her house renovation in Somerset. She works alongside her brothers Josh and Charlie, cousin Tom, and local tradespeople. "I may as well have knocked the thing down and started again," she confesses. The manual labour has replaced her regular workouts.
Future Opportunities and Strictly Rumours
Gibson dismisses speculation about appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, saying she would struggle to remember the steps. She remains focused on her current projects and acknowledges her limitations: "You can only do what you can and I feel very fortunate."
