In a candid and unexpected admission, Josie Gibson, the 41-year-old former Big Brother winner, has opened up about her funeral plans, sharing her wishes for a lively and celebratory send-off. While co-hosting This Morning alongside Craig Doyle in August 2024, Josie shocked viewers with her unconventional ideas about her final farewell, revealing that she’s already made arrangements for her own funeral and even recorded a video message for her loved ones.
Josie’s admission came after a segment on the show where the presenters discussed how funerals are evolving, becoming less somber and more celebratory. After hearing insights from funeral directors, Josie shared her personal plans, which she said she’d been working on for some time. “I want drag queens bringing my coffin in, I want disco music, and I’ve already made a video,” she said, leaving her co-hosts and the audience in disbelief.
A Funeral Like No Other
Josie’s revelation about wanting drag queens to bring her coffin in with disco music adds a vibrant, joyous twist to the typical view of a funeral. She explained that she was embracing the idea of a celebration of life rather than a traditional, mournful ceremony. While it’s rare for anyone to make such elaborate funeral plans at a young age, Josie’s frankness and humor about her wishes for the occasion surprised many.
But she wasn’t alone in her imaginative approach to the subject. Nick Ferrari, a guest on the show, also shared his own unique funeral request. “I want stunning Moulin Rouge dancers to come and throw a single white rose onto my coffin and then run off weeping,” he said, adding to the lighthearted nature of the conversation.
Personal Struggles Amid the Fun
While Josie’s funeral plans are clearly meant to be humorous and lighthearted, she has also been dealing with some serious personal challenges. In addition to her ongoing media projects, Josie has been filming Josie’s Big Country Build for ITV, a show that documents her efforts to build a new home in Somerset.
In a recent interview with Closer, Josie admitted that the project had been more stressful than she had anticipated. “I’m trying to do it as cheaply as possible. But I have bitten off a lot more than I can chew,” she confessed. “The amount of stress it’s taken to this stage is ridiculous. And everything has been on my shoulders.” She even revealed that the pressure had started affecting her health, saying that she had begun to experience some eyesight issues because of the stress.
Despite the personal difficulties she’s facing, Josie’s resilience and ability to find humor even in the most difficult circumstances seem to be central to her approach to life. While her funeral plans may be unconventional, they reflect her determination to embrace life to the fullest and celebrate it in a way that feels true to her personality.
A Family Affair
As a mother to her 8-year-old son, Reggie-James, whom she shares with ex-partner Terry Bond, Josie’s thoughts also turned to her family. Her plans for a lively funeral are not just about her own preferences, but about leaving a legacy of joy and lightness for her loved ones. It’s clear that she wants her loved ones to remember her with smiles, laughter, and a sense of celebration rather than sorrow.
Josie’s approach to her personal life and her plans for the future—including her focus on family and the challenges of her new TV project—illustrate her determination to juggle her professional and personal life while staying true to her vibrant and optimistic nature. Even in the face of stress and personal challenges, she’s making sure to bring some fun into her plans, whether for her career or her eventual send-off.
Her open, honest, and humorous approach to tough topics like death, stress, and family life continue to make her relatable to her fans. It’s a reminder that life should be embraced, celebrated, and lived with joy, even in the midst of life’s toughest moments.
