Any parent will know that Christmas can be equal parts joyful and stressful, and nobody knows this better than Bristol-born presenter, Josie Gibson.
Josie, 39, won over the nation when she was crowned the winner of Big Brother in 2010, eight years after her now-BFF and fellow This Morning co-presenter Alison Hammond had found fame on the hit reality show. Since then, Josie has competed on I’m a Celebrity..! and built a successful presenting career.
However, her number one priority as always this Christmas is being a doting mum to six-year-old son Reggie, who she shares with her ex-boyfriend, Terry Bond. She sat down to chat with Closer while she was partnering with tombola’s Open For Fun campaign to share all her secrets to the perfect Christmas— and yes, it does involve a ‘tipple’!
What are your Christmas traditions?
Josie: I always get a real tree, and I do try to plant it afterwards. I'm going to be honest, I tried to plant the tree after last Christmas, and I cannot confirm or deny if it carried on growing. I love the smell of a real tree. I love decorating a tree with Reggie. Now, our tree… You know when you see these trees on Instagram that look incredible? That is not our tree! I like to let Reg let loose on it. And I'm terrible at presents, because I always let Reg open some on Christmas Eve. I know it's bad, but I love giving them. I love his little face.
Will you be cooking Christmas dinner this year?
I have cooked the last couple of years, which I've really enjoyed, but it's so stressful. And I need to let all your readers know what I learned last year: do not get excited when you wake up, start cooking and have a tipple. Have a tipple when most of the dinner is done. I’ve got to pace myself now because I nearly messed up the whole dinner last year. Got too excited!
Do you have any cooking secrets?
This is the best cooking secret that anyone's ever given me— I sprinkle an OXO cube over my roast potatoes, and it makes them taste absolutely outstanding.
Do you let yourself indulge at Christmas time?
Christmas is not about holding yourself back! Christmas is about enjoyment, and everybody should be able to have what they want.
And do you enjoy hosting at Christmas time?
I love having everyone over at mine and everybody having a relaxing time. I’m so busy in my day-to-day life, the work schedule has been really manic, so Christmas is our time where we can all get together and actually see each other, and have nothing to do but watch films and enjoy each other's company.
What's the best gift you've ever been given?
The best gift I've ever had was a Space NK calendar last year. I've went out and got myself one this year, because they are insanely amazing. Do you know how hard it's been not opening it? I just want to see everything that's in it, so I might have to. I'm not going have anything left to open at Christmas, put it that way.
What's the worst gift you've ever been given?
The worst gift I've ever received is an ornamental cow from my friend Rachel. It wasn’t even a nice ornament. So, I was really petty, and I wrapped it back up and gifted it back to her. It’s like an ongoing joke. I might get it this year.
How do you keep Christmas magical for Reggie?
Well, Santa always leaves his footprints in my house. And we have a telephone line which goes directly to Santa on an app. So, if my little boy plays up, we get a call from Santa, and he tells Reggie that he might be on the naughty list.
What are your tips for avoiding family rows at Christmas?
If there's anybody in the family that does get on your nerves, I think the best thing to do is just have a tipple, be a bit merry. You know, not too much - but be a bit merry so you can deal with them.
Will there be a This Morning Christmas party?
Yes! I can't wait to get back and see
all my This Morning family, I've had a little bit of time off to concentrate on some other projects but I’ve missed my This Morning family. I'll be back soon.
Josie talked to Closer when she partnered with tombola, Britain’s biggest bingo site, for their ‘Open for Fun’ campaign. Head to @tombola_uk Instagram page for details.