23 April 2024 , 11:48
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Kerry Katona has spoke out on her friend Stephen Mulhern's romance with ITV co-star Josie Gibson.
The In For A Penny star, 47, was spotted holding hands with the This Morning host, 39, as they headed to the set of the final episode of Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway. The pair were seen looking rather cosy as they held onto each other, which sparked rumours they are in a secret relationship.
When questioned about the nature of their relationship by MailOnline, Josie told the publication: "I'm in love with Stephen Mulhern. There you go. But story of my life, I don't think he loves me." The pair remained tight lipped on the dating rumours until Josie declared they are simply "really good friends" this week.
Stephen's close pal Kerry has also had her say on the pair. She said: "I saw the pictures of Josie Gibson and Stephen Mulhern holding hands that had everyone speculating they're in a relationship, but I don't think there's anything in it." Writing in her New! magazine column, Kerry added: "I knew Stephen when he was a redcoat at Butlins and he's always been a gentleman - I think he reached out to take Josie's hand so she wouldn't fall."
Josie has denied any romance with Stephen
Stephen and Josie were snapped holding hands (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)Speaking to OK! Magazine, Josie shut down the dating rumours as she said: "Stephen? Oh, he’s so lovely. We are really good friends, I really adore him, but there’s no romance in the air. But he’s so nice. Every bloke that I come in contact with, the press seems to think that I’m having it off with them. People must think I’m a right goer. I’m not like that."
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Josie is believed to be single following her relationship with ex-partner Terry, who she shares son Reggie-James, six, with. She started dating the property developer in 2017, but after welcoming their son the following year they split up five months later. Josie has previously been linked to Big Brother co-star, John James Parton. They dated for just under a year following her winning the show in 2010.
Just two years later, Josie got engaged to Luke Sanwo just six months after meeting. However, they went their separate ways in April, 2015 with Josie explaining the passion was now "virtually non existent". TV favourite Stephen has kept his cards close to the chest regarding his love life. He was romantically linked to EastEnders actress Emma Barton, aka Honey Mitchell in 2008. The couple became close during the panto production of Snow White in Birmingham but eventually called it quits in 2011.
Seven years later, Stephen told Celebs Now he hadn't been in a date "in four years", adding: "That makes me sound really sad! I need a life. I need to stop working so much." While Josie has addressed the dating rumours publicly, Stephen is yet to do so.