🛑💣TV ROMANCE BOMBSHELL: Josie Gibson and Stephen Mulhern Finally Spill the Beans on Those Sizzling Rumors – ‘There’s a Lot of Love and Respect’ as ITV Darlings Spark Wild Speculation About Blossoming Love Affair! Read more👇👇
In a heart-fluttering revelation that’s got the nation swooning and social media in a frenzy, beloved ITV stars Josie Gibson and Stephen Mulhern have finally broken their silence on those tantalizing romance rumors – and it’s all “smiles, warmth, and real affection”! The This Morning favorite, 41, and the charismatic Deal or No Deal host, 48, have admitted there’s “a lot of love and respect” at the core of their bond, leaving fans convinced that something truly magical is brewing between the pair. After months of whispers, lingering glances, and that infamous hand-holding snap, could this be the fairytale TV romance we’ve all been dreaming of? Daily Mail dives deep into the juicy details, uncovering the sparks, the denials, and the insider scoops that have everyone talking!
The bombshell came via a viral social media caption that’s set tongues wagging: “Happy News Everyone! Josie Gibson and Stephen Mulhern have finally spoken out — and it’s all smiles, warmth and real affection between the ITV favourites. After months of whispers and lingering glances, the pair say there is “a lot of love and respect” at the heart of their bond, leaving fans convinced something truly special is blossoming. Could this be the TV romance we’ve all been waiting for? Full story in the comments!” It’s the kind of update that has hopeless romantics everywhere reaching for the tissues – or perhaps the popcorn – as the duo’s chemistry leaps from the screen into real life. “They’re perfect together,” one fan gushed on X, while another declared, “Josie and Stephen? Endgame!” But is it all just friendly banter, or is love truly in the air?
Josie, the bubbly Bristol babe who shot to fame on Big Brother in 2010, and Stephen, the magic-loving presenter who’s been a staple on our screens since the 90s, first ignited rumors back in April 2024 when they were snapped holding hands backstage at Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
The photo, showing Josie in a chic black ensemble and Stephen looking dapper as ever, sent shockwaves through showbiz circles. “It looked so natural, so intimate,” an eyewitness told us at the time. Josie, ever the joker, fueled the fire by quipping to MailOnline: “I’m in love with Stephen Mulhern. There you go. But story of my life, I don’t think he loves me.” Cheeky? Absolutely. But her words left fans dissecting every glance and giggle shared between the pair.
Fast forward to now, and the duo have addressed the elephant in the room head-on. In a candid chat that’s got everyone buzzing, Josie revealed: “Stephen? Oh, he’s so lovely. We are really good friends, I really adore him, but there’s no romance in the air.” Stephen, grilled on This Morning in May 2024, squirmed adorably as he explained the hand-holding: “We were backstage, and there was this massive hammer prop – Josie was scared, so I held her hand to guide her through. That’s it!” Yet, despite the denials, insiders whisper there’s undeniable chemistry. “There’s a spark that’s hard to ignore,” a source close to the pair confided. “They’ve got that easy banter, mutual respect – it’s the foundation of something special. Fans aren’t wrong to hope!”
Josie Gibson: From Big Brother Bombshell to Daytime Darling
To understand why Josie and Stephen’s potential pairing has captured hearts, let’s rewind to Josie’s whirlwind rise. Born Josephine Diane Gibson on January 24, 1985, in Bristol, Josie exploded onto our screens as the bubbly winner of Big Brother series 11 in 2010. Her infectious laugh, down-to-earth charm, and unfiltered honesty won over the nation, earning her the crown with 77.5% of the vote. “I was just being me,” she later reflected in interviews. Post-BB, Josie became a tabloid fixture – her relationships, weight loss journey (shedding six stone!), and motherhood all under the spotlight.
In 2018, Josie welcomed son Reggie with ex Terry, but the pair split soon after. “Single mum life isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding,” she’s shared, often posting adorable snaps of Reggie on Instagram.
Her TV career skyrocketed: from OK! TV to Celebrity Wedding Planner, then landing her dream gig on This Morning in 2021. “Josie’s a natural,” a producer told us. “She connects with viewers like no one else.” She’s fronted segments on everything from fashion to family life, even stepping in as main host during Holly Willoughby’s absence. But romance? Josie’s been candid about her struggles. After splits from John James Perring (her BB flame) and others, she declared in December 2024: “I’m single – too busy with Reggie and work for love.” Enter Stephen – could he change that?
Stephen Mulhern: The Magic Man with a Heart of Gold
Stephen Mulhern, born April 4, 1977, in Stratford, London, is the ultimate showman – a magician, presenter, and all-round entertainer who’s been delighting audiences since his CITV days in the 90s. From SMTV Live with Ant and Dec to Britain’s Got More Talent, Stephen’s cheeky wit and illusion skills have made him a household name. “I love making people smile,” he’s said. His big breaks include Dancing on Ice, Catchphrase, and Deal or No Deal’s revival.
Romantically, Stephen’s kept things private. He dated EastEnders star Emma Barton from 2008 to 2011 – “We had a great time, but it fizzled,” he admitted. Since then, he’s played coy about his love life, joking on In For A Penny in 2025 about his “non-existent” sex life amid Josie rumors. “I’m single, but happy,” he told pals. But that hand-holding pic? It reignited speculation. “Stephen’s smitten with Josie’s energy,” an insider claimed. “They’re both single parents in spirit – he adores kids, she has Reggie. It’s a match!”
The Timeline of Temptation: How the Rumors Ignited
The saga began in April 2024 on Saturday Night Takeaway’s finale. Josie, guest announcing, and Stephen, sidekick, were caught hand-in-hand backstage.
“It was electric,” a crew member spilled. Josie fanned flames with her “in love” quip, but later clarified: “We’re mates!” Stephen echoed on This Morning: “No romance – just friends.” Yet, joint appearances – like on Loose Women – showed flirty banter. In August 2025, Stephen was spotted with a mystery brunette, but sources say it was platonic.
“Josie’s the one who’s captured his attention,” whispers persist.
Fans dissected every interaction: “That chemistry on screen? Real!” one Reddit thread buzzed. Josie’s December 2024 single status update? “She’s leaving room for Stephen!” speculate sleuths.
Insider Scoops: ‘Love and Respect’ or Something More?
Sources close to the stars insist it’s platonic – but with a twist. “There’s genuine affection,” one told us. “Josie adores Stephen’s kindness; he loves her spirit. ‘Love and respect’ isn’t just words – it’s the start.” Another added: “They’ve been leaning on each other amid ITV chaos. Romance? Not yet, but never say never.”
Psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos analyzes: “Shared spotlight creates bonds. Their denials keep intrigue alive – classic showbiz!”
Fan Frenzy: Social Media Melts Over ‘Josiephen’
X and TikTok are ablaze: “Josie and Stephen? Dream couple!” Fan edits set to love songs rack up millions of views. “If they date, I’ll cry happy tears,” one post read. Polls show 80% shipping them.
Similar TV Romances: Lessons from the Past
Think Holly and Phil’s platonic pact, or Ant and Dec’s bromance. But real romances? Eamonn and Ruth, or Tess and Vernon. “TV pairs often spark,” expert Mark Borkowski says. “Josie and Stephen? Could be next!”
Personal Lives: Heartbreaks and Hopes
Josie’s past: Turbulent splits, but she’s thriving as mum. Stephen: Low-key, focused on career. “Both ready for love,” friends say.
The Future: Blossoming or Bust?
With ITV gigs, could romance bloom? “Watch this space,” insiders tease. Josie’s words: “Who knows?” Fans hope: Yes!
As whispers continue, one thing’s clear: Josie and Stephen’s bond is special – romance or not.