TV presenter Josie Gibson is being lined up for Strictly Come Dancing.
She was close to signing up three years ago but the BBC lost her to ITV rival I’m a Celebrity.
Insiders say the 41-year-old This Morning star is in advanced talks to appear on the next series of Strictly, which is set to start in September.
BBC executives think the bubbly presenter would be the perfect addition to the scandal-hit show, which has just axed several of its professional dancers in a huge shake-up.
Bosses are also in the process of replacing long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman, 54, and Tess Daly, 57.
A source said: “Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while and they’ve not given up their pursuit.
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“They’re hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well.
“Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs.
“Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.”
The Sun revealed in 2023 how Josie was at the centre of a bidding war between Strictly and I’m a Celeb.
After ITV won out, Josie narrowly failed to make the final of the reality show Down Under, finishing fourth.
A regular co-host on This Morning alongside Ben Shephard, Cat Deeley, Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond, Josie is hugely popular with viewers.
The Bristolian presenter sprang to fame in 2010 by winning the 11th series of Big Brother, achieving the highest percentage of any public vote.
She joined This Morning as a competition announcer in 2019 and was given her first presenting trial two years later.
The mum of one, who was seen cosying up to “the world’s hottest farrier” Sam Wolfenden, 32, at the Cheltenham Festival last month, has been on a health and fitness kick and is in the best shape of her life.
She has spoken candidly about her struggles with weight, and recently talked about how she lost 5st in three months without using fat jabs.
She credited intermittent fasting, a healthy diet and a regular gym routine for helping her get in shape.
Josie, who has slimmed from a size 20 to a size eight in the past, revealed she has been diagnosed with lipoedema, which causes an abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs.
Her new look has put a spring in her step — and so could Strictly.
Known to love a boogie, she previously revealed she went into labour with son Reggie in 2018 thanks to a vigorous dance-off at her baby shower.
