Josie Gibson has spoken out in the wake of ITV revealing Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley will soon be taking over the reins of This Morning.
Ever since Holly Willoughby's exit in October, ITV has enlisted a rotating roster of guest presenters to front the daytime show, including Gibson, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Craig Doyle, Sian Welby and many others.
While the constant switch-up in its on-screen talent irked viewers, several have expressed their dismay that Gibson wasn't given a chance to take on the role full-time.
In response to the This Morning X account confirming Deeley and Shephard's appointment, one person hit out: "Poor Josie and Craig.. they deserved it so much more."
A second similarly said: "Great news… but I still think Josie and Craig deserved better than this. #ThisMorning."
But Gibson appears to have proven there is no ill will towards Shephard and Deeley ahead of their debut as permanent This Morning faces.
ITV This Morning: Josie Gibson has fronted the show with several co-stars, including Alison Hammond
ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK
Taking to Instagram, Gibson broke her silence on the matter in response to This Morning's announcement.
"I feel a work welcome party coming on!!!!!" Gibson commented alongside a series of love heart emojis.
However, it still didn't stop some fans from sharing their sympathy for the Bristolian, including one who shared: "I was rather hoping you would get the job Josie. You and Craig have good chemistry together."
"My Heart is broken, why can’t you just do it fgs," a second replied before a third weighed in: "Wish you were permanent presenter Josie." (sic)
There has still been plenty of support for ITV's appointment of Deeley and Shephard, with many looking forward to their debut together.
And it's an excitement shared by both incoming presenter too after both issued statements about their imminent arrival to the show.
"This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning," Shephard said.
"It’s an honour to be trusted with the reins, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job.
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ITV This Morning: Josie Gibson presented with Holly Willoughby before her exit in October
ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK
"For the last 10 years, I’ve been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat, welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved."
Deeley echoed Shephard's joy as she said: "This Morning is a national institution.
"Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over - funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful - like all the greatest friendships!
"This Morning is and always will be the viewer’s show. Ben and I both know how much people love it and with the help of an amazing team of people, we’re going to do our best to take care of it."
