Josie Gibson says I'm A Celeb was 'so hard' - as she admits to breaking huge show rule

Josie Gibson is eagerly anticipating the return of I'm A Celebrity to her evening viewing schedule, and she's already chosen her favourite campmates. The 39 year old This Morning regular, who finished fourth on the ITV show last year, confesses that she wouldn't have signed up if she'd known how challenging it would be, but it remains one of her top shows.. "I have a real spider phobia – which I probably should've sorted before I went in! I'd have enjoyed my time more if I hadn't been so scared of them," she chuckles during an exclusive chat with OK! about jungle life, work, and motherhood.

Hi, Josie! You’re a bit like the Bridget Jones of This Morning now…

Ha, I actually find that a real honour! I really believe the only thing you‘re taking with you from this life are your memories, experiences and connections. So, if I’ve had a laugh and brightened up someone’s morning, I’m winning at life. I’ve experienced things I’ve only ever dreamed of and I’m so thankful to This Morning for that, even if I am their Bridget Jones! They did try and make me jump out of a plane once but I said no, I was terrified.

Do you get egged on by Ben Shephard, Cat Deeley and Alison Hammond?

Yes, I do – they all have a little naughty streak. Alison, of course, but Siân Welby can have a good go, mind! I’ve known Siân for years, too, she’s lovely.

So, on to the jungle… What do you make of the rumoured line-up this year?!

Oh, my God! I think it’s fantastic. I’m a big fan of Maura Higgins, she’s straight up and tells it like it is, but she’s also really, really funny and doesn’t take herself too seriously. And Oti [Mabuse] – she’s a real girls’ girl and has a beautiful, protective spirit so I can see her being like the mum of the group. I love all the girls in there this year! Coleen Rooney, too, she’s also a girls’ girl and I love that.

What about the men in camp?

I think Danny Jones will be one to watch – he’s a really nice guy and people really like him.

Is it really as difficult as it looks?

Yes! I’m not going to sugarcoat it, it’s really hard and it takes you places, mentally and physically, that you didn’t think you were going to go to. I really thought there’d be some element of a “studio” to the camp, but there really isn’t. It’s an actual jungle and there’s nowhere to hide. Viewers see every single version of someone.

Do you have any jungle secrets left to spill?

Haha, well, I’ve actually never spoken about this, but on one trial I went on, there was an ice cream van. A plate of crumpets that had been left out in the sun all day was near it. I said, “Oh, is that a Mr Whippy?” and when they turned around I grabbed a crumpet and stuck it in my dirty pocket. I really wanted it, but when I got back to camp I saw Tony Bellew, who was just wasting away, so I whispered to him, “I’ve got a crumpet for you” and I think it was the best thing he’s ever had! Even though it had been out in the sun with the bugs all day.

Knowing what you know now about the whole experience, would you do it again?

Honestly? No! Because it was so hard. A lot of that was because I had a five-year-old at home and I just couldn’t cope. I don’t think I was the best version of myself because I missed him so much.

How’s Reggie at the moment?

He’s brilliant. I think the best thing about this stage is the little one liners that they come out with, and how innocent they are. He’s changing all the time and as much as you don’t want your kids to get any older, seeing this little person that you’ve made growing up is just so special. Me and Reggie are big snugglers, so my biggest luxury in life is just snuggling up and watching a film together.

You seem to be doing a brilliant job of co-parenting…

I mean, we’re not perfect and we’ve had our ups and downs, but, at the end of the day, we’re really lucky. Reggie’s got a mum that loves him very much, and a dad that loves him very much, and that’s what matters. I’m very fortunate he’s got the daddy he’s got, he’d never give up on Reggie and will always be there for him, and that means everything to me.

It must be lovely seeing him have such a good relationship with his dad…

Yes, when I see Reggie with his dad, I love it so much, I didn’t have that growing up. It’s so beautiful to see.

You’re working with Tombola – so how did you end up in a big box on the streets of London?

I thought I was going to be wearing a sandwich board, which I was up for, but they put me in a massive box and it was not subtle. But I’m always up for a laugh, life is serious enough, I’m just not built to wake up and be serious about everything.

Josie Gibson has partnered with Tombola, Britain’s biggest bingo site, for its new ‘Open for Fun’ campaign. QR codes which lead to prizes have been dropped across the UK. To be in with a chance to win, head to the @tombola_uk Instagram page