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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

ITV This Morning presenter Josie Gibson stuns guest Rupert Friend by revealing her Stars Wars nickname

She's won the hearts of This Morning viewers as a stand-in host and down-to-earth presenter Josie Gibson had Hollywood stars Rupert Friend and Sienna Miller and Rupert Friend in stitches as she revealed a nickname she was given at school. The 37-year-old was speaking with American Sniper actress Sienna and Homeland star Rupert, both 40, on Wednesday's show when she made a hilarious revelation.

Josie, who shot to fame on the reality show Big Brother in 2010, was chatting to Rupert about his role in the upcoming Disney Plus TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi as the Grand Inquisitor. And she left him gobsmacked as she revealed they had something in common.

The host told her guest she was called 'Lobey-Wan Kenobi' at school because she 'had fat earlobes'. "I can tell you a little secret Rupert," she said. "They used to call me Lobey One Kenobi at school because my earlobes were so fat."

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Rupert paused for a nanosecond to digest her revelation before bursting out laughing. And Sienna, who stars with Rupert in the new Netflix drama Anatomy Of A Scandal, laughed: "That is the best." Josie quipped: "You've got Obi One Kenobi but I was Lobi One Kenobi."

Rupert managed to keep a straight face as he marvelled: "Nice to meet you Lobey. That's great. I love that you're owning that story." And she continued unfazed: "I like it and every time I see Obi Wan Kenobi it always reminds me of my fat earlobes."

Josie told the story behind her nickname (ITV)

Alongside her co-host Vernon Kay interjected: "As handsome as you are she couldn't stop talking about her earlobes." And the unexpected chat continued as Rupert pointed out his own 'tiny' lobes. "But they're cute though. They suit your face," Josie complimented.

And Rupert blushed as he tried to pay her compliment in return. He spluttered: "Your earlobes ... I'm not going to say they suit ... that would be ..." And he added: "I've dug myself a hole now."

After a great reaction to their presenting the first time around, Josie and Vernon are now back at the helm together for a second time, much to many viewer's delight.

Josie and Bolton presenter Vernon were a hit with This Morning viewers last year when they stepped in during the Christmas break for regular hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. And they have been praised by fans again for their presenting flair this week, with some branding them the 'perfect pair' due to their comical ways.

Vernon Kay left viewers in stitches on Tuesday during the show's fashion segment after he brutally shared his dislike over some of the clothes that were being shown. Fans agreed with him when he compared a dress to one that 'grandma wears in red riding hood.'

"Hahaha Vernon!!! He's not wrong. It does look like Grandma's dress," wrote one viewer on Twitter. "Vernon Kay is my new favourite person saying that dress was like the one grandma wears in red riding hood. It was horrible and if that's what's on trend then I'll leave it thanks," another laughed.

Some viewers have declared that Josie and Vernon are 'much better' than last week's hosts Alison and Dermot whilst others have even gone so far as to say that they should have permanent roles on the show - replacing Holly and Phil. "Vernon and Josie are better than Dermot and Alison. Hell, they're even better than Phil and Holly," one Twitter user wrote.

Josie has now presented alongside Phil, Holly, Dermot, Alison and Vernon on the show despite initially being a roving reporter. She said: "I still cannot believe I’ve even hosted This Morning. I feel very privileged, very honoured, and just can’t believe it’s happening to me. I’m very thankful to all the This Morning team for letting me come back and host.

"As for Vernon, put it this way, when they said I’d be hosting with Vernon again, I screamed with excitement! What a legend. What a TV legend… I feel like pinching myself, it’s like a dream." Phillip and Holly are set to return to This Morning on Tuesday, April 19.

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