Josie rose to fame on Big Brother (Image: Getty)
Big Brother Fame
has cemented herself as one of Britain’s most-loved television stars, but her journey to fame is the ultimate rags-to-riches story. Born and raised in Bristol, Josie’s early life was a world away from the glamorous world she now inhabits. Growing up, she attended Brimsham Green School in Yate, and family holidays meant spending summers in a caravan for eight weeks at a time, with no electricity, running water, or gas.
In 2010, Josie’s life changed forever when she entered the house as part of the show’s eleventh series. From the moment she stepped through the doors, she won over the nation with her down-to-earth charm and quick wit. After 77 days in the house, she emerged victorious, winning a record-breaking 77 per cent of the public vote – the highest percentage for any winner in the show’s history. Despite facing multiple nominations for eviction, Josie never once faced the public vote.
Her Big Brother journey wasn’t just about the prize money, though. Josie found love during her time in the house with Australian housemate John James Parton. The pair quickly became fan favourites, earning the nickname “JJJ” from devoted viewers. After leaving the house, their romance continued to make headlines before they sadly announced their split in 2011.
Josie’s £100,000 prize money could have been the start of a quiet life, but she had other plans. The star, who turns 40 on Friday (January 24), donated £20,000 to Young Lives vs Cancer, showing her generous side, and immediately set her sights on turning her newfound fame into a successful career.
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Josie won a record-breaking 77 per cent of the public vote (Image: PA)
Branding deals and Columnist Career
Following her Big Brother win, Josie capitalised on her popularity with a savvy range of branding deals. She launched her own self-titled fruity and sweet perfume as well as selling hoodies and other branded merchandise. Her approachable personality and relatable charm quickly made her a favourite among brands, and she became an ambassador for Curvissa Clothing, promoting inclusive fashion.
The mum-of-one also dipped her toes into showbiz journalism. In 2012, she bagged a regular column in Now magazine, titled Just Josie, where she shared her thoughts on celebrity culture and life in the spotlight. But it wasn’t just writing that kept her busy. In 2011, she made her presenting debut on the show OK!TV, stepping in as a reporter and host. Although the show was short-lived, it was clear Josie was determined to carve out her place in television. She also had a recurring presenting gig on ITV’s .
In recent years, Josie has continued to diversify her career. In 2024, she starred in a lucrative festive advertisement for supermarket chain Iceland.
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Josie starred in a lucrative festive ad for supermarket chain Iceland (Image: The Food Warehouse)
The mum-of-one had a sting on Loose Women (Image: ITV)
TV Stardom
While Josie made a name for herself through Big Brother, it was her move to s that truly solidified her status as a TV heavyweight. Her journey to the top of morning television was a slow and steady climb, but it all started with a fateful interview.
Josie credits for giving her the opportunity to step into the world of presenting. “I went on This Morning one day and Eamonn was on there. He said: ‘I like you, you’re different. Go and send some ideas to the bosses.’ And then they gave me a chance,” she said.
Starting as a competition announcer in 2019, Josie’s natural charisma shone through, and by 2021, she was stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Holly Willoughby. Her stint as a presenter was so well-received that she became a permanent fixture on the show. Since then, she’s hosted alongside big names like Holly, , , Dermot O’Leary, Vernon Kay, and Craig Doyle.
Josie’s role on This Morning has taken her across the globe, from riding roller coasters to tackling assault courses and interviewing royalty.
In 2023, she competed in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (Image: ITV)
Josie co-hosts This Morning alongside fellow Big Brother alumn, Alison Hammon (Image: ITV)
Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon remain her personal highlights. “They were so up for a laugh. I always thought they would be girls’ girls, but I didn’t realise how much girls’ girls they would be – they really were just lovely,” she said.
Her work extends beyond This Morning. In 2023, she competed in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, finishing fourth. She also hosted Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide on and launched a luxury travel series, exploring first-class airlines and five-star resorts.
With an estimated salary of £730,000 annually just for This Morning and hefty pay checks from her lucrative branding deals and reality TV appearances, Josie has transformed herself from a reality star to a TV powerhouse. She credits her This Morning family for helping her grow, saying: “I wouldn’t have been where I am without them. It’s like going in to an adopted family and them helping you with life skills.”