REVEALED: Josie Gibson’s Exclusive Response to Stephen Mulhern Dating Rumors
The rumor mill has been in overdrive since April 2024, when TV presenters Josie Gibson and Stephen Mulhern were spotted holding hands backstage at the finale of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. The image of the two ITV stars, both known for their infectious charm and on-screen chemistry, sparked widespread speculation about a possible romance. Fans took to social media, with one X post exclaiming, “Apparently Stephen Mulhern and Josie Gibson are dating omg,” capturing the public’s excitement. However, Josie Gibson has now exclusively addressed these rumors, and her candid response might surprise you. This article dives into her words, the context of their relationship, and why this story continues to captivate audiences.
The Moment That Ignited the Rumors
The speculation began when Gibson, 39, and Mulhern, 47, were photographed hand-in-hand outside BBC Studios in White City, West London, during the filming of Saturday Night Takeaway in April 2024. The pair, who have collaborated on various ITV shows, appeared relaxed and comfortable, with Gibson sporting a camouflage jacket and Mulhern in a navy jacket and jeans. Body language experts suggested their interaction hinted at more than friendship, and the media frenzy quickly escalated. The sighting came at a time when both presenters were believed to be single, adding fuel to the romantic rumors.
Gibson’s playful demeanor only intensified the speculation when she initially responded to MailOnline with a cheeky comment: “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 remark, paired with a backstage Instagram video where she tagged Mulhern, did little to quell the whispers. However, in subsequent interviews, Gibson clarified her stance, setting the record straight on their relationship.
Josie Gibson’s Exclusive Response
In an exclusive interview with OK! Magazine, Gibson firmly addressed the dating rumors, insisting that she and Mulhern are “best friends” with no romantic connection. “Stephen? Oh, he’s so lovely. We are really good friends, I really adore him, but there’s no romance in the air,” she stated. She expressed frustration at the media’s tendency to link her romantically with any man she’s photographed with, adding, “Every bloke that I come in contact with, the press seems to think that I’m having it off with them. People must think I’m a right goer. I’m not like that.” Her candid words highlight her exasperation with the constant speculation about her love life.
Gibson further elaborated on her approach to relationships, emphasizing that she needs a deep emotional connection to pursue romance. “To be with somebody or to even kiss somebody, I’ve really got to love them. I’ve really got to be into them. I can’t give my energy over when I’m not completely into it,” she told OK! Magazine. She noted that she only falls in love “once every seven or eight years,” underscoring her cautious stance on romance after past heartbreaks.
In a May 2024 interview with The Standard, Gibson doubled down on her single status, humorously declaring, “I am so single it’s ridiculous. I don’t message anybody, I don’t text anybody. I haven’t even got anybody I fancy.” She expressed amusement at the media’s assumptions, noting that every man she’s pictured with is presumed to be her boyfriend, including Mulhern. “They [including Stephen] are lovely, lovely blokes, but I couldn’t be more single if I tried,” she said, effectively shutting down the rumors.
Stephen Mulhern’s Take on the Rumors
Stephen Mulhern, known for hosting Deal or No Deal and Dancing on Ice, also addressed the speculation during an appearance on This Morning in May 2024. Grilled by hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Mulhern dismissed the rumors with a mix of humor and exasperation. “Listen, she didn’t turn up to rehearsals, I held her hand and I showed her where to stand. That is it. Finito!” he insisted, laughing off the teasing as he told Shephard to “shut his face.” His response, while playful, firmly denied any romantic involvement, reinforcing Gibson’s claim of a platonic friendship.
Mulhern, who tends to keep his personal life private, has been linked to few relationships in the public eye. His most notable romance was with EastEnders actress Emma Barton from 2008 to 2011, after meeting during a pantomime production. In a 2018 interview with Celebs Now, he admitted he hadn’t been on a date in four years, citing his busy career as a barrier to romance. More recently, in July 2024, Mulhern was spotted with a mystery brunette at a Kylie Minogue concert, but no further details emerged, leaving his relationship status unclear.
The Context of Their Personal Lives
Gibson’s love life has been a topic of public interest since her Big Brother win in 2010. Her high-profile relationships include a year-long romance with co-star John James Parton, which ended in 2011 due to frequent arguments, and an engagement to plumber Luke Sanwo in 2012, which fizzled out by 2015. She also shares a son, Reggie, with ex-partner Terry, but their relationship ended shortly after his birth in 2018. Gibson has been open about her struggles as a single mother and her reluctance to dive into new relationships, prioritizing her son and career. In August 2023, she hinted at a new romance on Shopping With Keith Lemon, describing it as “early stages,” but has since confirmed she remains single.
Mulhern, on the other hand, has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life. His private nature has only fueled curiosity, especially after the hand-holding incident with Gibson. The pair’s long-standing friendship and frequent collaborations on shows like This Morning and Saturday Night Takeaway have created a natural chemistry that fans misinterpret as romantic. Their shared sense of humor and professional respect make them a dynamic duo on screen, but both have consistently emphasized that their bond is platonic.
Why the Rumors Persist
Despite their denials, the rumors persist due to the public’s affection for both stars and their undeniable on-screen chemistry. Fans are eager to see Gibson, who has been open about her romantic struggles, find happiness, while Mulhern’s guarded personal life makes any hint of romance intriguing. The hand-holding moment, though explained as a practical gesture, was amplified by media coverage and social media buzz. Additionally, Gibson’s playful initial response to MailOnline and her tagging of Mulhern in a backstage video kept the speculation alive, even if unintentionally.
Insiders have suggested that their close friendship could be mistaken for something more, with one source noting to The Mirror that their “enduring friendship” and frequent professional interactions create a strong bond. However, Gibson’s December 2024 comments to The Mirror further clarified her priorities, focusing on her son Reggie and her career rather than romance. “My time is split between my career and my son, where would anyone fit in?” she said, emphasizing her contentment with being single as she approaches her 40th birthday in January 2025.
The Bigger Picture
Josie Gibson’s exclusive responses reveal a woman who is confident in her single status and frustrated by the media’s tendency to romanticize her friendships. Her humorous yet firm denials, coupled with Mulhern’s exasperated rebuttals, paint a clear picture of a close friendship mistaken for romance. As Gibson prepares for her Channel 4 show, Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide With Josie Gibson, and Mulhern continues hosting Deal or No Deal, both remain focused on their careers and personal lives, leaving the romance rumors firmly in the realm of speculation.
For fans hoping for a love story, Gibson’s words may be a letdown, but they underscore her authenticity and commitment to living life on her terms. As she told The Mirror, “As long as everybody’s happy and healthy, then we’re totally winning, aren’t we?” Her focus on her son, her work, and her own happiness suggests that any romance will have to wait—shocking or not, that’s the real Josie Gibson.