ALISON REACHES OUT TO ‘USED & SIDE-LINED’ JOSIE

After Ben Shephard’s well-received stint on This Morning, insiders say Josie Gibson is feeling worried for her future on the show

It’s almost five months since Phillip Schofield’s dramatic departure from This Morning, yet producers are still searching for an official replacement to join Holly Willoughby as co-host on the flagship ITV show.

And while Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson have been commended for regularly stepping in, last week it was GMB presenter Ben Shephard’s turn – and he quickly won praise from fans after hosting alongside Holly, 42.

In fact, his stint left viewers calling for him to become a permanent presenter, with one posting, “Excellent choice. Definitely a keeper!” while another shared, “AT LAST you have it right with Ben Shephard – best ever!”

Now an insider tells Closer that his strong performance – and the continuing indecision over filling the role – has left Josie, 38, and Alison, 48, feeling uneasy, as they had both hoped to land the top job.

BETRAYED

A source tells Closer, “Ben’s polished performance has certainly ruffled a few feathers behind the scenes on This Morning. Josie and Alison can’t help but feel a little side-lined as it now seems ITV bosses are hopeful to get a big-name star like Ben to replace Phil’s slot. It leaves their roles on the show slightly uncertain.

“Josie in particular has been feeling a bit betrayed as she’s been widely praised with helping the show earn back trust from the viewers, having a great rapport with Holly and just being her bubbly and genuine self. But now it seems as though that could all be short-lived, especially if producers plan on getting Ben on the sofa full-time.”

Phillip, 61, left This Morning in May after details of his “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague came to light and he admitted that he’d lied to both ITV and Holly about the situation.

As a result, the show has seen a new format of “guest hosts”, with a steady stream of familiar faces including Josie and Alison taking to the iconic sofa alongside Holly – who returned to This Morning in early September following her eight weeks off over the summer holidays.

Ben, 48, is the latest to try out, having been a regular at ITV for over 20 years after joining the channel when he hosted The Xtra Factor from 2004-2006. He also regularly covered for former hosts Phillip and Eamonn Holmes on This Morning from 2005, before moving to Good Morning Britain – ITV’s breakfast show – in 2014.

HESITANT

Prior to Ben joining Holly last week, Josie had been something o