She first hit the headlines in 2013 after bragging about getting a boob job on the NHS, and was dubbed “Britain’s most hated woman”.
At the time, Josie Cunningham insisted her natural 32A boobs had led to her being bullied all her life. She later admitted she simply wanted 36DD boobs paid for by taxpayers so she could feel more confident and start a career in glamour modelling.
Since then, Josie has regularly courted controversy. She has admitted to smoking while pregnant, considered an abortion so she could go on Big Brother in 2014, and then terminated a pregnancy so she could go ahead with a nose job in 2015 – only to fall pregnant again before going under the knife so she didn’t have the surgery after all.
Astonishingly, Josie, 29, puts the hatred directed at her in the past down to being “ugly”.
She says, “I’m not really a hate figure any more, though I still say some fairly outrageous things.
“I think everyone hated me because I was minging, but I look so much better now. I have regular fillers, my hair is natural and I stopped the dark fake tan – I get loads of positive comments.”
Josie is currently pregnant with her fifth child – a daughter, who’s due on Valentine’s Day. She already has four children – Harley, 12, Frankie, eight, Grace, five, and Dolly-Blu, three. All of them have different fathers, but Josie insists that’s a good thing and says she wouldn’t change it.
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Josie, who lives near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, explains, “I know people will judge, looking at me with my army of children, but I don’t care. I’m not on benefits. Three of the dads help me out financially, but it’s mainly me who makes sure the kids have everything they want using the money I earned from media appearances.
“I’m still in touch with all but one of the fathers and they are very much part of my children’s lives. Two of them live nearby and will come over on Christmas Day. We’re also going to see a pantomime together. It’s like one big happy family and there’s so much love between us all.
“On Christmas Eve, I’ll snuggle up with the children in our festive PJs and watch Home Alone or Polar Express. Then, on Christmas morning, I’ll wake up with the children and give them their presents – it’s quite difficult to buy for them as they already have pretty much everything they need. But I am getting a cat as we are all really sad that our old cat died. And I’m going to buy them new bikes, too.
CHECK OUT what to watch on TV this Christmas and New Year
Christmas and New TV 2019 slider
1 of 19Miranda
New Year's Day, 5.45pm, BBC1This special one-off show, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Miranda hitting our screens, was filmed at the London Palladium. Miranda is joined by castmates Patricia Hodge and Sarah Hadland (fingers crossed for Tom Ellis as well), and musical guests include McFly and Heather Small. Such fun!
2 of 19Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show
Christmas Day, 6pm, BBC1Yes, this may be part of the regular series – but as it's Christmas Day and the BIG ONE, Michael McIntyre is going all out to make this show simply the best. Don't miss the TV gold of Sharon Osbourne handing over her mobile phone for Send To All (see more on this in our chat with Michael below), while Craig Revel Horwood potentially isn't feeling quite so fab-u-lous as usual when Michael wakes him up mid-slumber. And there's a spectacular festive performance from the Unexpected Star. Merry Yule!
3 of 19Kylie's Secret Night
Christmas Day, 10.30, C4A specially invited audience arrive at a TV studio and settle in for what they think is a Kylie-themed evening for fans hosted by Alan Carr. But no! Actual Kylie herself is there, chatting through her career, from Neighbours' pop poppet to the national treasure and icon she is today. There are surprises for both the audience and the singer, some super-fans get the shock of their lives when someone unexpected gets in their taxi, and Kylie meets people who were named after her. Hilarious and heart-warming – don't miss. ALSO WATCH: Kylie's Golden Tour, Xmas Day, 12 midnight, C4
4 of 19Alan Carr's Celebrity Re-play 2019
Monday 30th Dec, 9pm, ITVCan we all remember what's happened over the past 12 months in Celebville? Alan Carr and Angellica Bell are here to help, with this fun-filled entertainment show celebrating the best 2019 had to offer in terms of all things famous people-related. Topics under discussion include Stormzy smashing Glastonbury, RuPaul finally bringing Drag Race to the UK, and Boris Johnson doing his thing in Parliament. We're promised clips, virals, comedy moments and surprise guests – and one pair getting to win £25,000 for charidee. With Alan at the helm, anything could happen!
5 of 19The Graham Norton Show: New Year's Eve Show
New Year's Eve, 10.20pm, BBC1It's NY Eve – why would you even want to go out when Graham Norton's on the box? Obvs, the guests are on the impressive side tonight – Tom Hanks (starring as an American kids' TV host in his new film), Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse, and Line Of Duty/This Is England star Stephen Graham. Melanie C is providing the tunes, plus there's a special Hogmanay Red Chair slot. You can also catch Graham on Good Show Business Guide, 3 Jan, 11pm, BBC1.
6 of 19Cinderella: After Ever After
Christmas Eve, 8pm, Sky One/Now TVDavid Walliams plays Prince Charming in a new version of Cinderella – but with a twist. After her wedding to the prince, Cinderella (Sian Gibson) soon realises that she hasn't got the fairytale ending she thought. Rather than her knight in shining armour, the prince is a vain, flossing-obsessed (the dance, that is) doofus, and her evil stepmother (Celia Imrie) is making the life of Cinders' father-in-law (Tom Courtenay) an absolute misery. Silly lines and fart jokes abound. Great fun.
7 of 19Take Off with Bradley and Holly
Christmas Eve, 8pm, ITVBradley Walsh and Holly Willoughby spread festive joy as lucky audience members have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lapland in this one-off festive entertainment show.
8 of 19The Great Christmas/Festive Bake Off
Christmas Day/New Year's Day, 7.10/7.40, C4Noel, Sandi, Prue and Paul re-assemble for a seasonal edition of the show. The Dec 25 episode sees them joined by bakers past (2017's Tom and Yan, plus 2018's Briony and Terry). The biggest excitement, however, is rockers Status Quo dropping by – and everyone singing along to Rockin' All Over The World. On NY Day, the Derry Girls cast do some baking, and make the judges dress up in school uniform. Ace.
9 of 19Paddington: The Man Behind the Bear
Boxing Day, 9pm, BBC2The tale of how a humble bear from Peru – with a liking for marmalade – became such an icon. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, it's also the story of his unassuming creator, Michael Bond. Famous admirers pop up as well, such as Stephen Fry and Jeremy Clarkson.
10 of 19Call The Midwife Christmas Special
Christmas Day, 7pm, BBC1Our favourite CTM characters return for the annual Christmas outing. This epic 90-minute episode is a break from the norm (the cast have been shipped to the remote Outer Hebrides, where Mother Mildred – Miriam Margolyes – thinks their skills are needed). Brace yourselves for antics including Trixie (Helen George) getting friendly with a calf, Dr Turner rolling his sleeves up in the most intense of settings, and Reggie on a mass paper chain-making mission.
11 of 19A Christmas Carol
Sunday 22nd - Christmas Eve, 9.05pm, BBC1Written by Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight, and with Tom Hardy as one of the executive producers, this spine-tingling version of A Christmas Carol is definitely one to put on your viewing list. The three-part adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless novel boasts a stellar cast that includes Stephen Graham as Jacob Marley, Guy Pearce as Scrooge and Andy Serkis as the Ghost Of Christmas Past, along with Joe Alwyn and Charlotte Riley. Prepare to be spooked as Scrooge is forced to face his many misdemeanours…
12 of 19Dr Who New Year's Special
New Year's Day, 6.55pm, BBC1Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor lands back on our TVs, and she's got all her old gang with her. Graham (Bradley Walsh), Mandip Gill (Yaz) and Ryan (Tosin Cole) are once again her travelling companions. Tonight's first instalment of a two-part adventure sees the crew hook up with Stephen Fry.
13 of 19The Christmas Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan
Sunday 22nd December, 9pm BBC2After the Arctic, Romesh Ranganathan vowed never to go anywhere cold again. He's in the Sahara – where an inescapable wall of heat beats down...
14 of 19Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's Special
Christmas Day and New Year's Day, 10.30pm, BBC1Mrs Brown fans, rejoice! You've got two helpings of hilarious potty-mouthed festive fun from the queen of Dublin town. There's bad news for Winnie when Agnes discovers Peggy Piper the Pernod Poisoner is out on appeal and could be coming back to Finglas. Yikes! Meanwhile, Betty's annoyed with Mrs B for giving Bono money, but then an angel-in-training shows up (yep, really), and the world turns upside down.
15 of 19Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special
Christmas Day, 8.30, BBC1Tidy! Back after a 10-year break, Gavin & Stacey is as funny as ever, with Ruth Jones and James Corden's writing still bang on the money. Alison Steadman is on brilliant form as Pam packs in her own inimitable way for a Welsh Christmas, and Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) is attempting to prepare lunch for 13 people. Meanwhile, Neil The Baby only answers to his full name even though he's 11. As for Smithy, he's still the same old lovable idiot. Lush festive viewing.
16 of 19Dancing on Ice at Christmas
Sunday 22nd December, 7pm, ITVThere's still a fortnight to go until the new series lands, but tonight we find out who the new batch of celebrities are paired with, professional dancer-wise, and the 12 famous faces take to the rink for the first time. The likes of Joe Swash, Ian Watkins (aka 'H' from Steps), Love Island's Maura Higgins, Michael Barrymore and Trisha Goddard have all signed up to dice with danger (those blades!). John Barrowman is a new judge, and Torvill 'n' Dean will be performing a fancy routine. Ooh!
17 of 19Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
Christmas Day, 4.40pm, BBC1Celebs from previous series, including Debbie McGee, Richard Arnold and Mark Wright, slip back into their dancing shoes for a joyous helping of festive Strictly magic. Actress Gemma Atkinson teams up with real-life partner Gorka Marquez, and YouTuber Joe Sugg and professional dancer Dianne Buswell – who also found love on the show – compete as well. Perfect post-turkey viewing.
18 of 19First Dates at Christmas
Christmas Day, 9.30pm, Channel 4Singletons from across the UK gather at a cosy countryside pub for a date night sprinkled with Yuletide magic. Fred Sirieix and co are there to welcome the likes of Kieran, 25 (he wants a real-life Barbie who can see past his six-pack), 67-year-old divorcée Suzy and single-mum Amy, 30, who wants a man who accepts her fake tan addiction.
19 of 19Gordon, Gino and Fred Christmas Road Trip: Three Unwise Men
Monday 23rd December, 9pm, ITVGordon Ramsay, Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix once again join forces for a cultural road trip. This time, they're in Morocco, with such highlights as seeing the unlikely trio attempting to ride camels, herd goats, and travel in donkey carts. They don't actually celebrate Christmas in Marrakesh, but the boys are determined to make it a culinary road trip to remember regardless.
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“I no longer dream of the perfect man coming along – I’ve been disappointed too often to think that might still happen. I’d rather have five kids with five different fathers, than five with one man who’s a complete a***hole. My family set-up is perfect for me – I’m certainly not ashamed of my situation.”
However, Josie admits she’s struggling to come to terms with the end of her relationship with her unborn fifth child’s father.
They’d been together for three years and he proposed earlier this year. But, six weeks ago, they decided to split up.
She says, “Our relationship was like a fairy tale at the beginning. We fell in love quickly and it seemed perfect. But I suppose that’s often what happens.
“It’s not ideal but I won’t stop him seeing his daughter – I wouldn’t do that. Fortunately I believe he will be a much better father than boyfriend.”
Meanwhile, Josie is planning her future. After her previous series of media appearances, she claims she earned enough to live for five years without working. But recently she’s started doing beauty courses with a view to eventually opening her own salon.
She says, “I’ve done cosmetic injectables, eye lash and holistic therapy courses. I will open my own place about a year after the baby’s born.”
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Incredibly, Josie hasn’t given up on the idea of having a sixth child with a sixth father.
She says, “I love my children and miss them when they start growing up and going to school. So I wouldn’t rule out having another. Having said that, I’ve had some medical problems recently and I’m being monitored throughout this pregnancy for abnormal cells on my cervix.
“Hopefully all will be fine. I’m not seeing anyone romantically at the moment, I’m just focusing on the kids.
“But if I never get my happy ever after with a man, I’m not fussed. I’ll be very content being an old lady surrounded by my family and a lot of cats!"
Read more in this week's Closer magazine, out now