BREAKING: Stephen Mulhern Spotted with Josie Gibson — Is There More Than Friendship?

In a whirlwind of celebrity gossip, TV presenters Stephen Mulhern and Josie Gibson have set tongues wagging after being spotted holding hands backstage at the finale of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway in April 2024. The sighting sparked a frenzy of speculation about a possible romance between the two beloved ITV stars, with fans and media outlets buzzing about whether their relationship extends beyond friendship. Insiders claim there might be more to this story, but both Mulhern and Gibson have addressed the rumors with a mix of humor and deflection. This article delves into the details of their rumored romance, their public statements, and the context of their personal lives, exploring whether there’s fire behind this smoky gossip.

The Spark That Started It All

The rumors began when Stephen Mulhern, 47, and Josie Gibson, 40, were photographed hand-in-hand outside BBC Studios during the filming of Saturday Night Takeaway in April 2024. The candid moment, captured as they left the set, sent social media into a tailspin, with fans quick to speculate about a budding romance. One X post from April 2024 exclaimed, “Apparently Stephen Mulhern and Josie Gibson are dating omg,” reflecting the excitement that gripped the public. The image of the two presenters, both known for their warm and bubbly personalities, seemed to suggest a closeness that went beyond professional camaraderie.

Body language experts weighed in, noting that their hand-holding didn’t appear platonic, fueling speculation further. The chemistry between Mulhern and Gibson, who have worked together on various ITV projects, has long been evident, with their playful banter and easy rapport charming audiences. However, the question remains: was this a fleeting moment of friendship or a sign of something deeper?

Josie Gibson’s Playful Response

Josie Gibson, a fan favorite from This Morning and a former Big Brother winner, addressed the rumors with her characteristic humor. In an interview with MailOnline, she quipped, “I’m in love with Stephen Mulhern. There you go. But story of my life, I don’t think he loves me.” Her tongue-in-cheek comment was accompanied by a clarification that there was no romantic involvement, emphasizing their close friendship. Gibson has been open about her cautious approach to love, stating in the same interview that she only falls in love “once every seven or eight years” and needs a strong emotional connection before pursuing a relationship.

Gibson’s romantic history has been well-documented, marked by high-profile relationships and heartbreak. Her romance with Big Brother co-star John James Parton ended a year after the show due to constant arguments, and her engagement to plumber Luke Sanwo in 2012 fizzled out after a whirlwind six months. She also shares a five-year-old son, Reggie, with ex-partner Terry, but their relationship ended shortly after his birth. Gibson has spoken candidly about her fear of heartbreak, admitting she’s wary of diving into romance again after a string of unsuccessful relationships. Her lighthearted dismissal of the Mulhern rumors aligns with her public stance of prioritizing her son and career over romantic entanglements.

Stephen Mulhern’s Firm Denial

Stephen Mulhern, known for hosting Deal or No Deal and Dancing on Ice, has been more reserved about his personal life, making the rumors even more intriguing. During an appearance on This Morning in May 2024, Mulhern faced an awkward grilling from hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley about his relationship with Gibson. He firmly shut down the speculation, stating, “Listen, she didn’t turn up to rehearsals, I held her hand and I showed her where to stand. That is it. Finito!” His exasperated plea of “Why are you doing this to me?” and playful demand for Shephard to “shut his face” only added to the lighthearted teasing, but Mulhern was clear in denying any romantic connection.

Mulhern’s private nature has long kept his love life out of the spotlight. His most notable relationship was with EastEnders actress Emma Barton, whom he dated from 2008 to 2011 after meeting during a pantomime production of Snow White. Since then, Mulhern has rarely spoken about his romantic endeavors, admitting in a 2018 interview with Celebs Now that his last date was four years prior and that his busy career left little time for a personal life. More recently, in July 2024, Mulhern was spotted with a mystery brunette at a Kylie Minogue concert in Hyde Park, prompting fresh speculation about his relationship status, though no details about the woman were confirmed.

Insiders’ Claims and Public Perception

Despite the denials from both parties, insiders have hinted that there might be more to the story. Sources close to the pair have suggested that their chemistry is undeniable, and their frequent collaborations on shows like This Morning and Saturday Night Takeaway have fostered a strong bond. The hand-holding incident, while explained away as a practical gesture, was described by some as a moment of genuine affection. The media frenzy has been amplified by the public’s affection for both stars, who are seen as relatable and down-to-earth figures in British television.

Gibson’s fans, in particular, have been vocal about wanting her to find happiness after her rocky romantic past. Her openness about her struggles as a single mother and her desire to protect her heart has resonated with many. Meanwhile, Mulhern’s charm and wit have made him a household name, but his guarded approach to his private life has only heightened curiosity about his relationships. The combination of their public personas and the tantalizing possibility of a romance has kept the rumor mill churning.

The Bigger Picture: Friendship or Romance?

While the public and media speculate, it’s worth considering the context of their relationship. Both Mulhern and Gibson are seasoned professionals in the entertainment industry, often working in high-pressure environments where camaraderie and support are essential. Their hand-holding could indeed have been a moment of friendship, as Mulhern described, or a playful gesture misinterpreted by onlookers. Gibson’s comment about being “so single it’s ridiculous” in a May 2024 interview with The Standard reinforces her stance that she’s not currently involved with anyone, including Mulhern.

Moreover, Gibson has hinted at a new romantic interest in August 2023, describing it as “early stages” on Shopping With Keith Lemon, though she kept the identity private. This suggests that her focus may lie elsewhere, further supporting the idea that her connection with Mulhern is platonic. Mulhern, too, has been linked to others, such as the mystery brunette at the Kylie Minogue concert, indicating that his romantic life may not revolve around Gibson.

Conclusion: Just Good Friends?

As of February 2025, the latest reports indicate that Josie Gibson is single, with her focus on her son Reggie and her career, including her recent Channel 4 show, Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide With Josie Gibson. Mulhern, meanwhile, has faced a challenging year, including the loss of his father and a health scare that saw him collapse at a restaurant, but he continues to shine on screen with Deal or No Deal and other projects.

The Stephen Mulhern and Josie Gibson saga is a classic case of celebrity gossip fueled by a single moment caught on camera. While insiders may claim there’s more than friendship, the stars themselves have consistently denied any romance, emphasizing their strong friendship and professional respect. For now, it seems the public’s hope for a fairytale romance between these two TV favorites may remain just that—a hope. Until new evidence emerges, their hand-holding will likely be remembered as a sweet, if ambiguous, moment between two close colleagues.