Josie Gibson in talks to replace Holly Willoughby as host of Dancing on Ice

Josie Gibson could replace Holly Willoughby as presenter of 'Dancing on Ice'.

The 38-year-old star has become a more permanent fixture on ITV1's magazine show 'This Morning' in recent months after Holly, 42, announced her decision to step down and now an insider has claimed that bosses are interested in her taking on hosting duties of their skating competition following her recent stint as a campmate on 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!'

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Josie’s stint in the jungle shows she has the perfect blend of humility, confidence, humour and unflappability. And she’s already proved she’s able to handle live TV during her time as a co-host on This Morning where she’s also developed quite a following among viewers.

"ITV will be hoping she’ll bring that popularity across to 'Dancing On Ice', if she ends up bagging the job in Holly’s absence."

However, it remains unclear whether Holly - who left 'This Morning' after a man was charged with soliciting to commit murder over an alleged kidnap plot in the months following the departure of her former co-host Phillip Schofield - will actually return to front the prime-time skating show when it hits screens in January and even though bosses are "hopeful" that she will come back, former 'Big Brother' winner Josie is said to be a "stand out" choice on their list of potential candidates.

The source added: "ITV are still hoping Holly will sign up. But the situation remains up in the air and nervous producers are now counting down to the start in days rather than weeks.

"There are several figures who could fill Holly’s role but Josie very much stands out. Even if producers pick a potential Plan B, it will all depend on the availability of the potential candidates."

Other names said to be under consideration for the job include former Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes and 'Loose Women' anchor Christine Lampard - who hosted 'Dancing on Ice' from 2012 until 2014 - but the broadcaster insisted announcements will be made in "due course".

ITV said: "Further announcements regarding 'Dancing On Ice' will be made in due course."