Josie Gibson, the television presenter and 2010 Big Brother winner, has spoken candidly about the challenges of raising her son Reggie, seven, as a single mother while managing a busy career. Now 41, Gibson shared insights into her experience of solo parenting, describing it as one of the hardest jobs and expressing admiration for other parents balancing similar roles.

“I take my hat off to any parent, but any solo parent, it’s the hardest thing in the world,” she said. Despite these difficulties, Gibson remains optimistic and revealed that if circumstances had been different, she might have had as many as 10 children. She also expressed an interest in fostering in the future, citing fellow reality star Debbie Bright from Towie as an inspiration.

Gibson credits her support network, which includes Reggie’s father, Terry James, her extended family, longstanding friends, and childminders, for helping her navigate parenthood. “I’m very fortunate,” she said, noting that her consistent friendships may have contributed to her never needing therapy. She also receives parenting advice from her This Morning co-host Alison Hammond, who is also a solo parent. Gibson values Hammond’s experience, especially as Hammond’s son Aidan has grown older.

Balancing work and parenting has brought moments of loneliness and “mum guilt” for Gibson. She explained that Reggie has had to become independent due to her work commitments and travel but noted her pride in his confidence. “He’s got a little girlfriend. He’s been with her since he was four,” she remarked with a smile.

Gibson, the eldest of seven siblings, compared her own upbringing to that of her son. She described her childhood as “dysfunctional” but formative, recalling times when her mother and aunt lived together with 17 or 18 family members. Now living in Somerset with Reggie, she said she misses the constant company but enjoys hosting large children’s parties to bring people together.

Alongside her parenting duties, Gibson is involved in a major house renovation, which is the focus of her upcoming ITV series, Josie Gibson’s Big Country Build. She joked about the physical demands of the project, explaining that she has been performing much of the manual labor herself, to the surprise of professional builders.

Despite speculation about her possibly joining the dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, Gibson dismissed the rumors, noting that memorizing choreography would be a challenge for her, although she acknowledged that the show could offer benefits such as weight loss.

Recently, Gibson partnered with travel company TUI to explore milestones in children's development and how families manage growing independence, sharing her personal perspective as a solo parent balancing work and family life.